Pronunciation: [tˈɔːɹɔ͡ɪd] (IPA) 
The word "toroid" refers to a shape that is similar to a donut or a ring. The spelling of this word follows the rules of English phonetics, with the emphasis on the first syllable "tor." Its IPA transcription is /ˈtɔː.rɔɪd/. The first sound is "t" followed by a long "o" sound, then "r" and a "ɔɪ" diphthong. The final sound is "d," clearly pronounced to distinguish it from "torus," which is a similar concept in geometry.
A toroid is a geometric shape that presents itself as a doughnut-like structure, characterized by a circular ring-shaped surface with a hole in the center. It is formed by revolving a circular curve around an axis that does not intersect the curve. The resulting shape is symmetrical, with a continuous, unbroken surface.
In mathematical terms, a toroid is considered a three-dimensional surface with properties resembling those of a torus. It is represented by an equation involving two radii, namely the major radius (distance from the center of the toroid to the center of the ring) and the minor radius (radius of the ring itself).
The toroid's defining features make it a prominent element in various fields including mathematics, physics, and engineering. In physics, it is studied in relation to magnetism, where a toroidal coil can generate a magnetic field when electric current passes through it. The toroid's shape and properties also find applications in electronics and telecommunications, such as in the design of transformers, inductors, and antennas.
Beyond its scientific significance, the term 'toroid' is often used metaphorically to describe objects that resemble or exhibit qualities similar to the geometric form. This can include anything from the shape of a doughnut to certain structures in nature, or even abstract concepts that mirror the toroid's properties of symmetry and continuity.
The word "toroid" originates from the Latin word "torus", meaning "cushion" or "pad". The term "torus" was later adopted in mathematics and geometry to refer to a geometric shape created by rotating a closed curve, such as a circle, around an axis that is coplanar with the curve. The adjective form of "torus" is "toroidal", and "toroid" is a noun derived from this adjective. In modern usage, "toroid" is commonly used to describe a shape resembling a donut or a ring, such as a doughnut, a bagel, or the shape of a donut-shaped magnet.
