centrifuge

American  

[sen-truh-fyooj] / ˈsɛn trəˌfyudʒ /

noun

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

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verb (used with object)

centrifuged, centrifuging

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

centrifuge British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (tr) to subject to the action of a centrifuge

centrifuge Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• centrifugation noun
• recentrifuge verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of centrifuge

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

Example Sentences

Another unanticipated threat in Iraq that could have had deadly consequences involved gas centrifuge technology used to make weapons-grade uranium.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

The past 12 months have seen them receive medical, robotics and survival training; experience weightlessness in a special plane; and be hurled around in a centrifuge to simulate the forces of a rocket launch.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2024

They were exposed to multiple times the force of gravity in a centrifuge, and spent hours underwater using scuba gear to float around mockups of space station modules to simulate working in zero gravity.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

The room is still except for the quiet hum of the centrifuge.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera