Torrent and torrid are two words that are close in spelling and pronunciation, and are often confused. We will examine the definitions of the terms torrent and torrid, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
A torrent a deluge of water or another liquid, a strong stream. Torrent is used literally when referring to the movement of liquid and figuratively, to mean a deluge of ideas or words. Torrent is also used in computer jargon to mean a computer file that contains metadata information, which aids in downloading large files in limited bandwidth. In this case, torrent may be used as a noun or a verb. Related words are torrents, torrented, torrenting. The word torrent is derived from the Latin word torrentem, which means roaring of streams.
Torrid means hot and dry, though it is also often used to mean full of passion. In British English torrid may describe something that is difficult, and in American English torrid may mean something that is hard to stop. The word torrid is an adjective derived from the Latin word torridus, which means parch.
Examples
A torrent of rain Monday morning combined with unseasonably low temperatures, causing flooding and scattered power outages throughout northern and central Israel and one death from a collision in the West Bank. (The Jerusalem Post)
Like big rival Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead is a victim of online piracy – with fans often turning to torrents and illegal streams to watch it. (The Express)
Alphabet, along with much of the tech sector, has enjoyed torrid growth in recent years as advertising moves from traditional media to the internet and consumers flock to an ever-expanding array of digital devices. (The New York Times)
Torrid weather has hampered search efforts since the alarm was raised on Tuesday morning that the boat had gone down in rough seas the previous evening. (The Courier Mail)