adj

centrifugal

sehn-trih-FYOO-gl

Centrifugal (adj) means moving or tending to move away from the center. Example: “The spinning drum uses centrifugal force to push water out through the holes.”

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adj

Moving or tending to move away from the center.

"The spinning drum uses centrifugal force to push water out through the holes."

noun

A machine that spins materials at high speed to separate them, such as in sugar processing.

"The mill uses a centrifugal to separate sugar crystals from the syrup."

How to use centrifugal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes a force or motion that pushes things outward, away from the center of rotation.

Common mistake

Often confused with "centripetal", which is the force pulling something toward the center — the opposite direction.

Easily confused with

centripetal →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

centrifugals plural

Test yourself on “centrifugal” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The spinning drum uses _____ force to push water out through the holes.

Etymology

Coined in New Latin from centrum ("center") + fugere ("to flee") — literally "fleeing from the center".

Origin: New Latin

Antonyms

centripetal

Related words

centripetal centrifuge

Rhymes for centrifugal

frugal Dougal Portugal conjugal

See all rhymes for centrifugal →

Frequently asked questions

What does “centrifugal” mean?

The word “centrifugal” means moving or tending to move away from the center. In plain terms, describes a force or motion that pushes things outward, away from the center of rotation.

How do you pronounce “centrifugal”?

“Centrifugal” is pronounced sehn-trih-FYOO-gl (/sɛnˈtɹɪf.(j)ə.ɡl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “centrifugal” in a sentence?

Here is “centrifugal” used in a sentence: “The spinning drum uses centrifugal force to push water out through the holes.”

What is the opposite of “centrifugal”?

The opposite of “centrifugal” — its antonyms — is centripetal.

What part of speech is “centrifugal”?

Depending on how it is used, “centrifugal” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “centrifugal” come from?

The word “centrifugal” comes from New Latin. Coined in New Latin from centrum ("center") + fugere ("to flee") — literally "fleeing from the center".

How many meanings does “centrifugal” have?

“Centrifugal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: moving or tending to move away from the center.

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