centrifuge

[ sen-truh-fyooj ]

noun

1. an apparatus that rotates at high speed and by centrifugal force separates substances of different densities, as milk and cream.

verb (used with object)

, cen·tri·fuged, cen·tri·fug·ing.

1. Also to subject to the action of a centrifuge.

centrifuge

/ ˈsɛntrɪˌfjuːdʒ; ˌsɛntrɪfjʊˈɡeɪʃən /

noun

1. any of various rotating machines that separate liquids from solids or dispersions of one liquid in another, by the action of centrifugal force
2. any of various rotating devices for subjecting human beings or animals to varying accelerations for experimental purposes

verb

1. tr to subject to the action of a centrifuge

centrifuge

/ sĕn′trə-fyo̅o̅j′ /

1. A machine that separates substances of different densities in a sample by rotating the sample at very high speed, causing the substance to be displaced outward, sometimes through a series of filters or gratings. Denser substances tend to be displaced from the center more than ones that are less dense.

Derived Forms

• centrifugation, noun

Other Words From

• cen·trif·u·ga·tion [sen-trif-y, uh, -, gey, -sh, uh, n, -trif-, uh, -], noun
• re·centri·fuge verb (used with object) recentrifuged recentrifuging

Word History and Origins

Origin of centrifuge¹

1795–1805; < French, noun use of centrifuge (adj.) < New Latin centrifugus center-fleeing; centrifugal

Example Sentences

The photograph shows Mr Kim walking past rows of centrifuges and talking to military officials.

From BBC

Mexican officials said the lab boasted more than 200 centrifuges, boilers and condensing chambers - key equipment used to make the chemical.

From BBC

In future studies, the researchers will examine the effects of using a centrifuge to combat the fluid shift and its effects.

From Science Daily

But he's taken it off to test the effects of the centrifuge on his upper-leg.

From BBC

He has acknowledged the agency cannot guarantee that none of Iran’s centrifuges may have been peeled away for clandestine enrichment.

From Seattle Times