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

Centrifugal force will pull the surface into a parabolic shape.

From Science Magazine • Jul. 18, 2019

Centrifugal force pulls the droplets through layers of dense lipids that encapsulate them along the way.

From Nature • Nov. 6, 2018

Centrifugal force shoots the water through perforations in the impeller at high speed, driving the boat forward.

From Time Magazine Archive

Centrifugal force sent the shields flying off the railings like metal Frisbees.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

Centrifugal force, like some huge invisible monster, pushed my head down into my shoulders and squashed me into that seat so that my backbone bent and I groaned with the force of it.

From Test Pilot by Collins, Jimmy