How Do You Spell TOR?

Pronunciation: [tˈɔː] (IPA)

The word "tor" can refer to a rocky hill or a high ridge. Its spelling may appear simple, but its pronunciation may be tricky for non-native English speakers. The phonetic transcription of "tor" is /tɔr/, where the "o" is pronounced with an open-mid back rounded vowel sound like the "aw" in "saw". The "r" is pronounced with a trill or a tapped flap of the tongue against the alveolar ridge. Overall, "tor" is a short but important word in geography and hiking trails.

TOR Meaning and Definition

  1. A tor, in geological terms, refers to an elevated rocky outcrop or a prominent peak that is characterized by abrupt and steep slopes. It is predominantly formed through the process of weathering and erosion, particularly by freeze-thaw cycles and the lapping action of water on exposed bedrock. This geological phenomenon is commonly found in upland areas, especially in regions with granitic or metamorphic rocks.

    Typically, a tor exhibits distinctive features such as a rounded or dome-like shape, often crowned with large boulders or an extensive layer of shattered or weathered rock debris. Its formation begins with the fracturing of rock surfaces due to physical and chemical weathering processes over an extended period. As water infiltrates these cracks and undergoes repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, the pressure exerted causes the rocks to break apart further. Over time, this continuous process exposes and shapes the tor, with its jagged and steep sides contrasting against the surrounding landscape.

    Tors can be significant landmarks and popular tourist attractions due to their distinctiveness, panoramic views, and potential historical or cultural associations. Some examples of well-known tors include the Dartmoor Tors in southwestern England, Ben Nevis in Scotland, and Haytor in the southwestern part of the United Kingdom. Overall, tors are unparalleled geological formations that embody the captivating interplay between the forces of nature and the enduring strength of rocks.

  2. A tower; a high pointed hill; a jutting rock.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for TOR *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for TOR

Etymology of TOR

The word "tor" has multiple origins and meanings depending on the context:

1. The geological term, referring to a rocky hill or peak, originates from the Old English word "torr". Its etymology traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "turri" or "turz", which meant "tower" or "peak". This later evolved into "tor" in Old English and has been used to describe prominent rocky outcrops in certain regions.

2. In Scottish Gaelic, "tor" means "hill" or "mound" and is derived from the Old Irish word "tor" with the same meaning.

3. In various Celtic languages, such as Welsh and Cornish, "tor" can also mean "bulging", "protruding", or "belly".

4. Additionally, the word "tor" has other linguistic origins.

Similar spelling words for TOR

Plural form of TOR is TORS

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