centrifugal
Americanadjective
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moving or directed outward from the center (opposed to centripetal).
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pertaining to or operated by centrifugal force.
a centrifugal pump.
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Physiology. efferent.
noun
adjective
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acting, moving, or tending to move away from a centre Compare centripetal
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of, concerned with, or operated by centrifugal force
centrifugal pump
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botany (esp of certain inflorescences) developing outwards from a centre
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physiol another word for efferent
noun
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any device that uses centrifugal force for its action
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the rotating perforated drum in a centrifuge
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Moving or directed away from a center or axis, usually as a result of being spun around the center or axis.
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Operated in the manner of a centrifuge.
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Transmitting nerve impulses away from the brain or spinal cord; efferent.
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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.
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Compare centripetal
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of centrifugal
1715–25; < New Latin centrifug ( us ) center-fleeing ( centri- centri- + Latin -fugus, derivative of fugere to flee) + -al 1
Explanation
The physics principle whereby objects are forced to move out from the center is called centrifugal force. This apparent force is activated by something moving in a curved direction; the heavier the object the stronger the force. The word centrifugal is from the Latin centrum, "center," and fugere, "to flee," so the word means "center-fleeing." Centrifugal force was studied by physicists as far back as 1629, and the term itself was used by Sir Isaac Newton, in its Latin guise vis centrifuga, in 1687.
Vocabulary lists containing centrifugal
The Glass Castle
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Political Geography - High School
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Ender's Game
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The cable is holding you up and simulating centrifugal force on the corner,” Corby said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 11, 2026
These are centrifugal forces shaping the uneasy calm in the world economy.
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2025
The individual tiles and reinforcement bars create a striking impression of an enthralling and vertiginous centrifugal motion.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2025
Moreover, the production volume can be easily adjusted by varying the size of the horizontal centrifugal casting cylinder, ensuring consistent thickness and surface quality of polymer solid electrolytes, ideal for battery production.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 15, 2024
I feel the centrifugal force pulling me toward the water and dig my hands and feet into the sand, trying to get some purchase on the unstable ground.
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
