centrifugal force

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.

centrifugal force

noun

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

centrifugal force

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

centrifugal force

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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of centrifugal force¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

The cylinder walls are oiled by the spray of lubricant thrown off the revolving crank-shaft by centrifugal force.

From Project Gutenberg

The sharper the turn, the greater the effect of the centrifugal force, and therefore the steeper should be the "bank."

From Project Gutenberg

In society there is both a centripetal and a centrifugal force; the centripetal chiefly human, the centrifugal chiefly Divine.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the sense in which the term "force" is employed in the expression "centrifugal force."

From Project Gutenberg