n. [ L. torrefacere, torrefactum, to torrefy: cf. F. torréfaction. See Torrefy. ] The act or process of torrefying, or the state of being torrefied. Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
A system of registration of titles to land (as distinct from registration of deeds) introduced into South Australia by the Real Property (or Torrens) Act (act 15 of 1857-58), drafted by Sir Robert Torrens (1814-84). Its essential feature is the guaranty by the government of properly registered titles. The system has been generally adopted in Australia and British Columbia, and in its original or a modified form in some other countries, including some States of the United States. Hence
Torrens title, etc. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
a. [ See Torrent, n. ] Rolling or rushing in a rapid stream. “Waves of torrent fire.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F., fr. L. torrens, -entis, fr. torrens burning, roaring, boiling, p. pr. of torrere to dry by heat, to burn. See Torrid. ]
The roaring torrent is deep and wide. Longfellow. [ 1913 Webster ]
At length, Erasmus, that great injured name, . . .
Stemmed the wild torrent of a barbarous age. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Of or pertaining to Torricelli, an Italian philosopher and mathematician, who, in 1643, discovered that the rise of a liquid in a tube, as in the barometer, is due to atmospheric pressure. See Barometer. [ 1913 Webster ]
Torricellian tube,
Torricellian vacuum (Physics),
a. [ L. torridus, fr. torrere to parch, to burn, akin to E. Thist: cf. F. torride. See Thirst. ]
Torrid zone (Geog.),
n. Torridness. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality or state of being torrid or parched. [ 1913 Webster ]