centrifugal

[ sen-trif-yuh-guhl, -uh-guhl ]

adjective

1. moving or directed outward from the center ( centripetal ).
2. pertaining to or operated by centrifugal force:

   a centrifugal pump.

3. Physiology. efferent.

noun

1. Machinery.
   1. a machine for separating different materials by centrifugal force; a centrifuge.
   2. a rotating, perforated drum holding the materials to be separated in such a machine.

centrifugal

/ sɛnˈtrɪfjʊɡəl; ˈsɛntrɪˌfjuːɡəl /

adjective

1. acting, moving, or tending to move away from a centre Compare centripetal
2. of, concerned with, or operated by centrifugal force

   centrifugal pump

3. botany (esp of certain inflorescences) developing outwards from a centre
4. physiol another word for efferent

noun

1. any device that uses centrifugal force for its action
2. the rotating perforated drum in a centrifuge

centrifugal

/ sĕn-trĭf′yə-gəl,-trĭf′ə- /

1. Moving or directed away from a center or axis, usually as a result of being spun around the center or axis.
2. Operated in the manner of a centrifuge.
3. Transmitting nerve impulses away from the brain or spinal cord; efferent.
4. Developing or progressing outward from a center or axis, as in the growth of plant structures. For example, in a centrifugal inflorescence such as a cyme, the flowers in the center or tip open first while those on the edge open last.
5. Compare centripetal

Derived Forms

• cenˈtrifugally, adverb

Other Words From

• cen·trifu·gal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of centrifugal¹

1715–25; < New Latin centrifug ( us ) center-fleeing ( centri- centri- + Latin -fugus, derivative of fugere to flee) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of centrifugal¹

C18: from New Latin centrifugus, from centri- + Latin fugere to flee

Example Sentences

As an earthbound motorcyclist speeds around the cylinder, their inertia pushes them into the wall, creating an outward centrifugal force.

From Science Magazine

Departing from the traditional melt casting method, the team introduced a horizontal centrifugal casting method to overcome existing limitations.

From Science Daily

As the cells are forced through the spiral at very high speeds, various forces, including centrifugal forces, act on the cells.

From Science Daily

The mall was the natural spinoff of the centrifugal force reshaping how Americans lived.

From Los Angeles Times

They spin so fast that they approach "critical velocity" or the point where they would otherwise blast apart due to centrifugal force overpowering the star's gravity.

From Salon