Link vs. Torch — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
A link refers to a connection between two things, often used metaphorically or digitally, while a torch is a portable light source or a device used for cutting or welding.
Difference Between Link and Torch
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
In the context of connections, a link is used to describe a component or part that connects elements in a chain or series. This could be a hyperlink on the internet, connecting web pages, or a physical link, like a chain link. On the other hand, a torch refers to a tool that emits light or flame, traditionally used for illumination or, in modern contexts, for processes like welding or cutting.
Links play a crucial role in digital communications, where they facilitate the flow of information across the internet by connecting web pages, documents, or multimedia. Whereas torches are essential in various applications such as camping, emergency lighting, and industrial tasks, providing light or heat as required.
A link can represent abstract connections, such as familial links or the links between ideas. Meanwhile, a torch can symbolize enlightenment or continuation, as in "carrying the torch," which implies continuing a tradition or carrying forward an idea.
In terms of functionality, links facilitate access and navigation, enhancing user experience by making the vast resources of the internet readily accessible. Conversely, torches are practical tools that physically enable visibility and precision in darkness or in processes like metalworking.
The development of links has evolved with technology, especially with the advent of the internet, becoming more sophisticated in terms of data integration and user interface design. In contrast, torches have also evolved, from simple fire-bearing sticks to modern electric flashlights and sophisticated welding equipment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A connection between two points or elements
A portable source of light or heat
Usage
Digital, mechanical, metaphorical
Lighting, welding, cutting, symbolic
Example in Context
Hyperlink in a webpage
Handheld flashlight in a power outage
Symbolism
Connectivity, unity
Enlightenment, continuation
Technological Impact
Central to web navigation and data sharing
Advances in energy efficiency and portability
Compare with Definitions
Link
An element that joins parts of a chain.
He repaired the broken link of the bicycle chain.
Torch
Symbolic of light and guidance.
The Olympic torch represents peace and unity.
Link
A connection between two things, especially for communication or movement.
The website provided a link to the application form.
Torch
A portable light source that can be carried by hand.
She used a torch to find her way in the dark.
Link
A factor or feature that associates two or more things.
Researchers found a genetic link to the disease.
Torch
A large, often celebratory fire.
Revelers lit torches during the festival.
Link
A unit in a software structure connecting data or commands.
The programmer added a link to the new module.
Torch
An electric lamp used as a portable light.
He switched on his torch to inspect the engine.
Link
Metaphorically, a bond or association between people or ideas.
They maintained a strong link despite the distance.
Torch
A tool for cutting or welding metal using a flame or plasma.
The worker used a torch to cut through the steel.
Link
One of the rings or loops forming a chain.
Torch
A torch is a stick with combustible material at one end, which is ignited and used as a light source. Torches have been used throughout history, and are still used in processions, symbolic and religious events, and in juggling entertainment.
Link
A unit in a connected series of units
Links of sausage.
One link in a molecular chain.
Torch
A portable light produced by the flame of a stick of resinous wood or of a flammable material wound about the end of a stick of wood; a flambeau.
Link
A unit in a transportation or communications system.
Torch
Chiefly British A flashlight.
Link
A connecting element; a tie or bond
Grandparents, our link with the past.
Torch
Something that serves to illuminate, enlighten, or guide.
Link
An association; a relationship
The Alumnae Association is my link to the school's present administration.
Torch
(Slang) An arsonist.
Link
A causal, parallel, or reciprocal relationship; a correlation
Researchers have detected a link between smoking and heart disease.
Torch
A portable apparatus that produces a very hot flame by the combustion of gases, used in welding and construction.
Link
A cufflink.
Torch
Longstanding unrequited romantic feelings for a person
My torch for her has finally gone out.
Link
A unit of length used in surveying, equal to 0.01 chain, 7.92 inches, or about 20.12 centimeters.
Torch
To cause to burn or undergo combustion, especially with extraordinary rapidity, force, or thoroughness.
Link
A rod or lever transmitting motion in a machine.
Torch
A stick with a flame on one end, used chiefly as a light source; a similarly shaped implement with a replaceable supply of flammable material.
The mob of angry villagers carried torches and pitchforks to the vampire's castle.
Link
(Computers)A graphical item or segment of text in a webpage or other electronic document that, when clicked, causes another webpage or section of the same webpage to be displayed
That newspaper's homepage includes links to numerous government resources. Also called hotlink, hyperlink.
Torch
(Commonwealth) A portable light source powered by electricity; a flashlight.
Ernst slipped and dropped his torch on the flagstones, shattering the bulb and plunging us into darkness.
Link
A torch formerly used for lighting one's way in the streets.
Torch
(US) An arsonist.
Link
To put together physically, as with links
Linked the rings to form a chain.
Torch
A blowtorch or oxy-gas torch.
Link
To connect, relate, or associate
Linked the suspect to the crime.
Torch
(scifi) A torch drive ("a spacecraft engine which produces thrust by nuclear fusion").
Link
To make or have a link to (another webpage or electronic document)
The blog links important news stories from across the web.
Torch
To set fire to, especially by use of a torch (flaming stick).
Some hoodlums had torched a derelict automobile, which emitted a ghastly pall of thick, black smoke that filled the street.
Link
To make a link in (a webpage or electronic document)
The teacher linked the class website to an online map.
Torch
(scifi) To travel in a spacecraft propelled by a torch drive ("a spacecraft engine which produces thrust by nuclear fusion").
Link
To be or become joined together physically
The molecules linked to form a polymer.
Torch
A light or luminary formed of some combustible substance, as of resinous wood; a large candle or flambeau, or a lamp giving a large, flaring flame.
They light the nuptial torch.
Link
To be or become connected, related, or associated
Their business has linked up with ours.
Torch
A flashlight.
Link
To make or have a link to a webpage or electronic document
The shocking news story was linked to by many blogs. The article linked to photos of the damage.
Torch
A light carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance
Link
To follow a link in a webpage or electronic document
With a click of the mouse, I linked to the museum's website.
Torch
Tall-stalked very woolly mullein with densely packed yellow flowers; ancient Greeks and Romans dipped the stalks in tallow for funeral torches
Link
A connection between places, people, events, things, or ideas.
The mayor’s assistant serves as the link to the media.
Torch
A small portable battery-powered electric lamp
Link
One element of a chain or other connected series.
The third link of the silver chain needs to be resoldered.
The weakest link.
Torch
A burner that mixes air and gas to produce a very hot flame
Link
Abbreviation of hyperlink
The link on the page points to the sports scores.
Torch
Burn maliciously, as by arson;
The madman torched the barns
Link
(computing) The connection between buses or systems.
A by-N-link is composed of N lanes.
Link
(mathematics) A space comprising one or more disjoint knots.
Link
(Sussex) a thin wild bank of land splitting two cultivated patches and often linking two hills.
Link
(figurative) an individual person or element in a system
Link
Anything doubled and closed like a link of a chain.
Link
A sausage that is not a patty.
Link
(kinematics) Any one of the several elementary pieces of a mechanism, such as the fixed frame, or a rod, wheel, mass of confined liquid, etc., by which relative motion of other parts is produced and constrained.
Link
(engineering) Any intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion, especially a short connecting rod with a bearing at each end; specifically (in steam engines) the slotted bar, or connecting piece, to the opposite ends of which the eccentric rods are jointed, and by means of which the movement of the valve is varied, in a link motion.
Link
(surveying) The length of one joint of Gunter's chain, being the hundredth part of it, or 7.92 inches, the chain being 66 feet in length.
Link
(chemistry) A bond of affinity, or a unit of valence between atoms; applied to a unit of chemical force or attraction.
Link
(in the plural) The windings of a river; the land along a winding stream.
Link
(broadcasting) An introductory cue.
Link
(obsolete) A torch, used to light dark streets.
Link
(transitive) To connect two or more things.
Link
To contain a hyperlink to another page.
My homepage links to my wife's.
Link
To supply (somebody) with a hyperlink; to direct by means of a link.
Haven't you seen his Web site? I'll link you to it.
Link
To post a hyperlink to.
Stop linking those unfunny comics all the time!
Link
(transitive) To demonstrate a correlation between two things.
Link
(compilation) To combine objects generated by a compiler into a single executable.
Link
To meet with someone.
Link
To skip or trip along smartly; to go quickly.
Link
A torch made of tow and pitch, or the like.
Link
A single ring or division of a chain.
Link
Hence: Anything, whether material or not, which binds together, or connects, separate things; a part of a connected series; a tie; a bond.
The link of brotherhood, by whichOne common Maker bound me to the kind.
And so by double links enchained themselves in lover's life.
Link
Anything doubled and closed like a link; as, a link of horsehair.
Link
Any one of the several elementary pieces of a mechanism, as the fixed frame, or a rod, wheel, mass of confined liquid, etc., by which relative motion of other parts is produced and constrained.
Link
Any intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion, especially a short connecting rod with a bearing at each end; specifically (Steam Engine), the slotted bar, or connecting piece, to the opposite ends of which the eccentric rods are jointed, and by means of which the movement of the valve is varied, in a link motion.
Link
A bond of affinity, or a unit of valence between atoms; - applied to a unit of chemical force or attraction.
Link
Sausages; - because linked together.
Link
A hill or ridge, as a sand hill, or a wooded or turfy bank between cultivated fields, etc.
Link
A winding of a river; also, the ground along such a winding; a meander; - usually in pl.
The windings or "links" of the Forth above and below Stirling are extremely tortuous.
Link
Sand hills with the surrounding level or undulating land, such as occur along the seashore, a river bank, etc.
Golf may be played on any park or common, but its original home is the "links" or common land which is found by the seashore, where the short close tuft, the sandy subsoil, and the many natural obstacles in the shape of bents, whins, sand holes, and banks, supply the conditions which are essential to the proper pursuit of the game.
Link
Hence, any such piece of ground where golf is played; a golf course.
Link
To connect or unite with a link or as with a link; to join; to attach; to unite; to couple.
All the tribes and nations that composed it [the Roman Empire] were linked together, not only by the same laws and the same government, but by all the facilities of commodious intercourse, and of frequent communication.
Link
To be connected.
No one generation could link with the other.
Link
The means of connection between things linked in series
Link
A fastener that serves to join or link;
The walls are held together with metal links placed in the wet mortar during construction
Link
The state of being connected;
The connection between church and state is inescapable
Link
A connecting shape
Link
A unit of length equal to 1/100 of a chain
Link
(computing) an instruction that connects one part of a program or an element on a list to another program or list
Link
A channel for communication between groups;
He provided a liaison with the guerrillas
Link
A two-way radio communication system (usually microwave); part of a more extensive telecommunication network
Link
An interconnecting circuit between two or more locations for the purpose of transmitting and receiving data
Link
Make a logical or causal connection;
I cannot connect these two pieces of evidence in my mind
Colligate these facts
I cannot relate these events at all
Link
Connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces;
Can you connect the two loudspeakers?
Tie the ropes together
Link arms
Link
Be or become joined or united or linked;
The two streets connect to become a highway
Our paths joined
The travelers linked up again at the airport
Link
Link with or as with a yoke;
Yoke the oxen together
Common Curiosities
Can a link be physical?
Yes, links can be physical, such as the links in a chain, or abstract like hyperlinks in digital contexts.
What is a torch used for?
A torch is primarily used for illumination, but can also be used for heating, welding, or cutting in industrial applications.
What is a link?
A link refers to a connection or bond between different entities, used to facilitate communication or movement.
How do links enhance internet usage?
Links enhance internet usage by enabling easier navigation and access to information across different web pages.
Can torches be used in emergency situations?
Yes, torches are commonly used in emergency situations for illumination and signaling.
What types of torches are there?
There are various types of torches including gas torches, welding torches, and electric flashlights.
What materials can a torch cut through?
Industrial torches, such as oxy-acetylene torches, can cut through various metals like steel and iron.
How does a torch function?
A torch functions by burning a fuel or using a battery to emit light or heat, depending on its design.
Are all links digital?
Not all links are digital; some are mechanical, like those in a chain, while others are metaphorical or abstract.
What is the symbolic meaning of a torch?
A torch often symbolizes light, guidance, and the continuation of traditions or ideas.
How have links evolved with technology?
Links have evolved from simple textual references to complex data-driven structures that enhance interactive and multimedia web experiences.
Is there a difference between a torch and a flashlight?
In some contexts, particularly in the UK, a torch is what Americans would call a flashlight; both refer to a portable, hand-held electric light source.
What is a broken link?
In digital contexts, a broken link is a hyperlink that no longer leads to an active or existing webpage, often resulting in a 404 error.
What makes a good link in web design?
A good link in web design is clear, descriptive, and leads the user directly to relevant and useful information without errors or redirections.
What are some common uses of a torch in everyday life?
In everyday life, torches are used for providing light during power outages, for outdoor activities like camping, and in DIY projects.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Loam vs. Topsoil
Next Comparison
Corrode vs. RustAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
