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)

centrifuged, centrifuging 

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

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.

Other Word Forms

• centrifugation noun
• recentrifuge verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of centrifuge¹

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

Example Sentences

Stephen was then extubated and woken up, and then he rested for an hour before his blood was drained and spun through a centrifuge for six hours to separate out the stem cells.

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Mossad “has been conducting covert operations on Iranian soil for three decades, poisoning supply chains, sabotaging nuclear facilities and centrifuges, carrying out cyberattacks and assassinating nuclear scientists.”

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Though an initial damage analysis expressed skepticism, a consensus emerged that Iran’s enrichment and weaponization infrastructure, including centrifuges and uranium metalworking equipment, was destroyed or rendered inoperable.

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Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has also said that — damage to its declared centrifuges aside — Iran could likely begin enriching uranium again “in a matter of months.”

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The craters are believed to be above underground buildings housing centrifuge halls, where uranium enrichment takes place.

Read more on BBC