Retorque

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To apply a twisting action once again to an object while also reapplying torque to mechanical elements to ensure proper alignment or tension is achieved
2. To twist an object or component a second time applying rotational force for adjustment or correction
3. To reapply torque by turning again to restore or improve the mechanical condition

Etymology: "Retorque" is built from the Latin prefix "re-", meaning "back" or "again," and "torquere," "to twist." The verb "torquere" is also the root of "torque," the twisted metal neck ring worn by Celtic and Roman peoples, and English borrowed that noun directly from Latin "torques." So "retorque" is essentially a twist-again formed on the same stem that gave English the torque. The compound is a learned Latin formation, so its shape is what you would expect: the prefix adds the sense of repetition, and the base keeps its literal meaning of twisting. The word is a Latin verb, not an English coinage, and it carries its original sense without much drift. Its meaning of twisting again tightly is close to the physical act the Latin base describes.

Synonyms: re-tighten, readjust, reapply