adj
centripetal
Centripetal (adj) means moving or pointing inward, toward the middle of something.
adj
1
Moving or pointing inward, toward the middle of something.
"It was a centripetal time, with me at the centre, everything gravitating towards me."
— Tsitsi Dangarembga, Nervous Conditions (1988)
2
Carrying nerve signals in towards the brain and spinal cord.
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Etymology
From New Latin centripetālis, coined by Sir Isaac Newton from Latin centrum ("center") plus petō ("to seek, aim") plus -al. It can be analysed as centri- + -petal.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for centripetal
See all rhymes for centripetal →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of centripetal?
"centripetal" (adj) means moving or pointing inward, toward the middle of something.
What is another word for centripetal?
Other words for "centripetal" include sensory, receptive, unifying.
What is the opposite of centripetal?
The opposite of "centripetal" is centrifugal.
What are the different meanings of centripetal?
"centripetal" has 2 main meanings: 1. Moving or pointing inward, toward the middle of something; 2. Carrying nerve signals in towards the brain and spinal cord.
