centrifugal force

American  

noun

1. an outward force on a body rotating about an axis, assumed equal and opposite to the centripetal force and postulated to account for the phenomena seen by an observer in the rotating body.

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centrifugal force British  

noun

1. a fictitious force that can be thought of as acting outwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path

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centrifugal force Scientific  

1. An effect that seems to cause an object moving in a curve to be pushed away from the curve's center. Centrifugal force is not a true force but is actually the effect of inertia, in that the moving object's natural tendency is to move in a straight line.

2. See Note at centripetal force

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centrifugal force Cultural  

1. A force that tends to move objects away from the center in a system undergoing circular motion. Centrifugal force keeps the water in a whirling bucket from spilling or throws a rider in a car against the door when the car goes around a sharp curve. Centrifugal force is actually a form of inertia.

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Etymology

Origin of centrifugal force

First recorded in 1715–25

Compare meaning

How does centrifugal-force compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• centripetal vs. centrifugal force
• centripetal force vs. centrifugal force

Example Sentences

These are centrifugal forces shaping the uneasy calm in the world economy.

From BBC

Her moods had a centrifugal force, pulling in everyone in her orbit.

From Salon

The “widening gyre” foretells the polarization of society, the centrifugal forces tearing the collective fabric into ideological extremes.

From Salon

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

From Science Magazine

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

From Science Daily