torus

noun to·rus \ˈtȯr-əs\

plural to·ri \ˈtȯr-ˌī, -ˌē\

Definition of TORUS

: a large molding of convex profile commonly occurring as the lowest molding in the base of a column

: the thickening of a membrane closing a wood-cell pit (as of gymnosperm tracheids) having the secondary cell wall arched over the pit cavity

: a doughnut-shaped surface generated by a circle rotated about an axis in its plane that does not intersect the circle; broadly : toroid

: a smooth rounded anatomical protuberance (as a bony ridge on the skull)

New Latin, from Latin, protuberance, bulge, torus molding

First Known Use: 1563

Medical Dictionary

noun to·rus \ˈtōr-əs, ˈtȯr-\

plural to·ri \ˈtō(ə)r-ˌī, ˈtȯ(ə)r-, -ˌē\

: a doughnut-shaped surface generated by a circle rotated about an axis in its plane that does not intersect the circle

: a smooth rounded anatomical protuberance (as a bony ridge on the skull) <a supraorbital torus>

Next Word in the Dictionary: ToryPrevious Word in the Dictionary: torulusAll Words Near: torus

What made you want to look up torus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears