Usage Note
Torno on its own refers to a lathe (a turning machine) or a potter's wheel. However, learners almost always encounter it in the prepositional phrase en torno a, meaning 'around' or 'concerning' (en torno a este tema = 'concerning this topic'). Alrededor de is a near synonym for spatial 'around.'
Examples
"El debate giró en torno a la economía."
Natural Translation
The debate revolved around the economy.
Literal Translation
The debate turned around the economy.

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