centrifugal

American  

[sen-trif-yuh-guhl, -uh-guhl] / sɛnˈtrɪf yə gəl, -ə gəl /

adjective

1. moving or directed outward from the center (centripetal ).

2. pertaining to or operated by centrifugal force.

   a centrifugal pump.

3. Physiology. efferent.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. any device that uses centrifugal force for its action

2. the rotating perforated drum in a centrifuge

centrifugal Scientific  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• centrifugally adverb

Etymology

Origin of centrifugal

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

Explanation

The physics principle whereby objects are forced to move out from the center is called centrifugal force. This apparent force is activated by something moving in a curved direction; the heavier the object the stronger the force. The word centrifugal is from the Latin centrum, "center," and fugere, "to flee," so the word means "center-fleeing." Centrifugal force was studied by physicists as far back as 1629, and the term itself was used by Sir Isaac Newton, in its Latin guise vis centrifuga, in 1687.

Example Sentences

“The cable is holding you up and simulating centrifugal force on the corner,” Corby said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

A floor below, indoors, racks of centrifugal chillers that control the refrigerant make him smile.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2025

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

From Science Magazine • Apr. 30, 2024

The faster you turn, the greater the centrifugal force pushing you into your seat, and the heavier you feel.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins