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.”
adj
1
Moving or tending to move away from the center.
"The spinning drum uses centrifugal force to push water out through the holes."
noun
1
A machine that spins materials at high speed to separate them, such as in sugar processing.
"Modern practice favours warming the massecuite in pug mills, placed above the centrifugals."
— H. Panda, The Complete Book on Sugarcane Processing and By-Products of Molasses (2011)
"Where the sequencing of the centrifugals is accomplished by the triggering of a function in the process cycle, a buffer zone (nonproductive time) has to be inserted in the cycle time prior to this action."
— James C. P. Chen, Chung Chi Chou (1993)
"The mill uses a centrifugal to separate sugar crystals from the syrup."
How to use centrifugal
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- centrifugals
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".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for centrifugal
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.
