from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Torus \To"rus\ (t[=o]"r[u^]s), n.; pl. {Tori} (t[=o]"r[imac]).
[L., a round, swelling, or bulging place, an elevation. Cf.
3d {Tore}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Arch.) A large molding used in the bases of columns. Its
profile is semicircular. See Illust. of {Molding.}
--Brande & C.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.) One of the ventral parapodia of tubicolous
annelids. It usually has the form of an oblong thickening
or elevation of the integument with rows of uncini or
hooks along the center. See Illust. under {Tubicolae}.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Bot.) The receptacle, or part of the flower on which the
carpels stand.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Geom.)
(a) The surface described by the circumference of a circle
revolving about a straight line in its own plane.
(b) The solid inclosed by such a surface; -- sometimes
called an {anchor ring}.
Syn: Syn. --3d Tore[2].
[1913 Webster]