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

/ ˈsɛntrɪˌfjuːɡəl; sɛnˈtrɪfjʊɡəl /

adjective

1. See centripetal
   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. See efferent
   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

Among the options for juicers, centrifugal juicers are typically on the cheaper side.

From Popular-Science

On the other hand, juice made with centrifugal juicers is most flavorful if you consume it the same day you make it.

From Popular-Science

Whether you want vegetable juice, fruit juice, or a blend of both, we’ve rounded up the best juicers—including centrifugal, slow masticating, and cold-press options—so you can create the flavors you crave without breaking the bank.

From Popular-Science

This centrifugal juicer features two speeds—12,000 RPM and 6,500 RPM—for harder and softer ingredients, respectively.

From Popular-Science

If you’re just getting into juicing, centrifugal users are great for beginners because they’re easier to use and more affordable.

From Popular-Science

War can be a centrifugal force, pulling together disparate groups who share a common enemy.

From The Daily Beast

Both Esbach's, which is very widely used, and the centrifugal method give fair results.

From Project Gutenberg

On a curved bridge the centrifugal load due to the radical acceleration of the train.

From Project Gutenberg

Four gun-metal centrifugal pumps were fitted for circulating water through the condensers.

From Project Gutenberg

To it was attached a string about two feet long, by means of which the centrifugal motion was imparted to it.

From Project Gutenberg

Loose gear was rolling and sliding along underfoot, propelled forward by centrifugal force.

From Project Gutenberg