centripetal
[ sen-trip-i-tl ]
/ sɛnˈtrɪp ɪ tl /
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adjective
directed toward the center (opposed to centrifugal).
operating by centripetal force.
Physiology. afferent.
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Origin of centripetal
OTHER WORDS FROM centripetal
cen·trip·e·tal·ism, nouncen·trip·e·tal·ly, adverbun·cen·trip·e·tal, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH centripetal
centrifugal, centripetalWords nearby centripetal
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for centripetal
British Dictionary definitions for centripetal
centripetal
/ (sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl, ˈsɛntrɪˌpiːtəl) /
adjective
acting, moving, or tending to move towards a centreCompare centrifugal
of, concerned with, or operated by centripetal force
botany (esp of certain inflorescences) developing from the outside towards the centre
physiol another word for afferent
Derived forms of centripetal
centripetally, adverbWord Origin for centripetal
C17: from New Latin centripetus seeking the centre; see centri-, -petal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for centripetal
centripetal
[ sĕn-trĭp′ĭ-tl ]
adj.
Moving or directed toward a center or axis.
Transmitting nerve impulses toward the central nervous system; afferent.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for centripetal
centripetal
[ sĕn-trĭp′ĭ-tl ]
Moving or directed toward a center or axis, particularly one around which an object is spinning.
Transmitting nerve impulses toward the brain or spinal cord; afferent.
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. Compare centrifugal.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.