centripetal

American  

[sen-trip-i-tl] / sɛnˈtrɪp ɪ tl /

adjective

1. directed toward the center (opposed to centrifugal).

2. operating by centripetal force.

3. Physiology. afferent.

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centripetal British  

/ 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

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centripetal Scientific  

/ sĕn-trĭp′ĭ-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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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• centripetalism
  noun
• uncentripetal
  adjective
• centripetally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of centripetal

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

Compare meaning

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

• centripetal vs. centrifugal force

Explanation

Centripetal is an adjective describing a force that brings things toward the center, not unlike the force of a black hole. Centripetal is often confused with the word centrifugal. They may begin the same way, but they mean the exact opposite. Centrifugal is the force that moves things outward. You might remember that centripetal means to move things in, because the petals on a flower all begin in the middle.