centripetal

[sen-trip-i-tl]

adjective

1. directed toward the center (centrifugal ).

2. operating by centripetal force.

3. Physiology.,  afferent.

centripetal

/ sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl, ˈsɛntrɪˌpiːtəl /

adjective

1. acting, moving, or tending to move towards a centre Compare centrifugal

2. of, concerned with, or operated by centripetal force

3. botany (esp of certain inflorescences) developing from the outside towards the centre

4. physiol another word for afferent

centripetal

1. Moving or directed toward a center or axis, particularly one around which an object is spinning.

2. Transmitting nerve impulses toward the brain or spinal cord; afferent.

3. Developing or progressing inward toward a center or axis, as in the growth of plant structures. For example, in the disk of the inflorescence of a sunflower, the florets near the edge open first, and the ones in the center last.

4. Compare centrifugal

Other Word Forms

• centripetalism noun
• centripetally adverb
• uncentripetal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of centripetal¹

1700–10; < New Latin centripet ( us ) center-seeking ( centri- centri- + -petus, derivative of Latin petere to seek) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of centripetal¹

C17: from New Latin centripetus seeking the centre; see _centri- , _-petal

Example Sentences

A mere arm’s length away from one another, the riders stay steady, thanks to centripetal force and prayers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A: The evidence suggests that there are centripetal forces that keep metropolitan areas from continually expanding outward, and that centripetal force is going to remain.

Read more on Washington Post

Chung’s slice-of-life writing is nicely observed but gentle to a fault, circling around its themes widely and long enough to lose centripetal force.

Read more on New York Times

But he argues they also need the centripetal force of “cultural patriotism,” to balance the centrifugal forces that this diversity ignites.

Read more on Seattle Times

He pursued engineering first, becoming an artist in 1967 — and he has essentially applied the technique of centripetal force in endless variations for more than five decades in his sculpture practice.

Read more on New York Times