twist

Definition

A twist is a change in direction. It can be caused by a force, such as when you twist a piece of paper, or it can happen naturally, such as when a tornado twists the air.

Twists can be big or small. A tornado can twist the air for miles, while a twist of a piece of paper may only be a few inches.

Twists can be used to create different shapes. For example, you can twist a piece of paper into a spiral, or you can twist a piece of dough into a pretzel.

How can the word be used?

The rope was twisted around the pole.

Different forms of the word

Noun:

a turn or coil of something flexible, such as a rope or thread.
a sudden change in direction or course.
a complicated or confusing situation.
a particular way of thinking or behaving.

Verb:

to turn or coil something flexible.
to change direction or course suddenly.
to make something complicated or confusing.
to give something a particular way of thinking or behaving.

Etymology

The word "twist" comes from the Old English word "twiscian", which means "to turn or twine".

The first recorded use of the word "twist" in English was in the 13th century.

The word "twist" is an Old English word, and it is related to the Old Frisian word "twiskia", the Old Saxon word "twiskian", and the Old Norse word "tvísk".

Question

What might you twist?