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View synonyms for centripetal

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


centripetal

/ sĕn-trĭpĭ-tl /

  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


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Derived Forms

  • cenˈtripetally, adverb
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Other Words From

  • cen·tripe·tal·ism noun
  • cen·tripe·tal·ly adverb
  • uncen·tripe·tal adjective
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of centripetal1

C17: from New Latin centripetus seeking the centre; see centri- , -petal
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Compare Meanings

How does centripetal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

So inevitably the centripetal force of the establishment GOP will move toward Jeb Bush.

Which brings me to the ways Hartman generally tried to make "halachic community" seem wonderful—and centripetal.

Their life is centripetal, pivoted inside itself, and does not run out towards others and mankind.

In society there is both a centripetal and a centrifugal force; the centripetal chiefly human, the centrifugal chiefly Divine.

The centripetal force, exerted through the cord, O A, pulls it aside from this direction of motion.

It is true, the resistance of the body furnishes the measure of the centripetal force.

Sometimes the centripetal force is weak, and opportunity is afforded to observe this action, and see its character exhibited.

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centriolecentripetal force