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Torso Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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torso

[ˈtɔːsəʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

human anatomy

The trunk of the human body, excluding the head and limbs. It contains the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

Synonyms

body, chest, trunk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
torso

Typically used in medical, anatomical, or artistic contexts to refer to the central part of the human body without the head, arms, or legs.

  • The statue's torso was discovered buried in the sand.
  • The doctor examined the patient's torso for any signs of injury.
trunk

Mostly used in anatomical or zoological contexts to describe the central part of the body, excluding the head and limbs. It's often used for animals as well as humans.

  • The elephant's trunk is a versatile tool for grabbing things.
  • In yoga, maintaining a strong trunk is crucial for balance.
body

A general term for the entire physical structure of a person or animal. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense.

  • She has a toned, athletic body from years of training.
  • The whole body of evidence was considered in the trial.
chest

Refers specifically to the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and the sternum, often in contexts related to the heart and lungs or physical fitness.

  • He felt a sharp pain in his chest and knew something was wrong.
  • She did push-ups to strengthen her chest muscles.

Examples of usage

  • The bullet hit him in the torso.
  • She had a tattoo on her torso.
  • He felt a sharp pain in his torso.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

The part of a garment covering the body from the neck to the waist.

Synonyms

bodice, midsection, upper body.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
torso

Used generally to refer to the main part of the human body, excluding the head, arms, and legs. It's a neutral term that can be used in both medical and everyday contexts.

  • The sculpture depicted a muscular torso without limbs.
  • He sustained injuries to his torso in the accident.
bodice

Primarily used in fashion or historical contexts to describe the upper part of a woman's dress. It often refers to the part of the dress that covers the chest and back down to the waist.

  • The dress had a beautifully embroidered bodice.
  • She adjusted the bodice of her gown before the ball.
upper body

Used to describe the upper part of the human body, including the chest, back, and shoulders. This term is often used in fitness and anatomy contexts.

  • He focused on exercises that strengthen the upper body.
  • The swimmer had a very well-defined upper body.
midsection

Refers to the middle part of the body, often highlighting the area around the waist. It's a common term in fitness and health discussions.

  • He worked out regularly to tone his midsection.
  • The belt cinched tightly around her midsection.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a tight-fitting torso.
  • The dress had intricate detailing on the torso.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The torso houses vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and stomach, making it essential for life.
  • Muscle groups in the torso include the chest, back, and abdominal muscles, which are crucial for movement and posture.

Art

  • Torso sculptures date back to ancient Greece and Rome, where artists emphasized the beauty and strength of the human form.
  • In modern art, the torso is often explored to convey abstract forms and emotions, reflecting the artist's interpretation of body language.

Fitness

  • Strengthening the torso is vital in fitness since it contributes to core stability and overall athletic performance.
  • Exercises such as planks and sit-ups specifically target the muscles in the torso, improving both strength and posture.

Cultural References

  • The torso is a common subject in fashion and modeling, with designers often showcasing how clothing fits and flows on a person's body.
  • In literature and film, the term 'torso' might appear when characters are described in terms of their physical presence or body language.

Origin of 'torso'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Italian 'torso,' which means 'the trunk of the body' and is derived from 'torsus', meaning 'to twist'.
  • In art, 'torso' is often used to describe sculptures that show the body but leave out the limbs and head, highlighting the torso's importance in form.

The word 'torso' originated from Italian, where it means 'trunk of a statue'. It was later adopted into English in the mid-18th century to refer to the human body excluding the head and limbs. The term has been commonly used in anatomy and fashion to describe different parts of the body or clothing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,186, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.