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centrifugal

 - 6 dictionary results

cen⋅trif⋅u⋅gal

  [sen-trif-yuh-guhl, -uh-guhl]
Use centrifugal in a Sentence
–adjective
1. moving or directed outward from the center (opposed to centripetal ).
2. pertaining to or operated by centrifugal force: a centrifugal pump.
3. Physiology. efferent.
–noun
4. Machinery.
a. a machine for separating different materials by centrifugal force; centrifuge.
b. a rotating, perforated drum holding the materials to be separated in such a machine.
Origin:
1715–25; < NL centrifug(us) center-fleeing (centri- centri- + L -fugus, deriv. of fugere to flee) + -al 1

Related forms:
cen⋅trif⋅u⋅gal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To centrifugal
cen·trif·u·gal   (sěn-trĭf'yə-gəl, -trĭf'ə-)   
adj.  

  1. Moving or directed away from a center or axis.

  2. Operated by means of centrifugal force.

  3. Physiology Transmitting nerve impulses away from the central nervous system; efferent.

  4. Botany Developing or progressing outward from a center or axis, as in a flower cluster in which the oldest flowers are in the center and the youngest flowers are near the edge.

  5. Tending or directed away from centralization, as of authority: "The division of Europe into two warring blocs, each ultimately dependent on a superpower patron, is subject to ever-increasing centrifugal stress" (Scott Sullivan).


[From New Latin centrifugus : Latin centrum, center; see center + Latin fugere, to flee.]
cen·trif'u·gal·ism n., cen·trif'u·gal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

centrifugal 
c.1721, from Mod.L., coined 1687 by Sir Isaac Newton from L. centri- alternate comb. form of centrum "center" (see center) + fugere "to flee" (see fugitive). Centrifuge (n.) is from 1889 in the modern sense, but used in 1809 for a machine that separated cream from milk.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: cen·trif·u·gal
Pronunciation: sen-'trif-y&-g&l, -'trif-i-g&l
Function: adjective
: passing outward (as from anerve center to a muscle or gland) : EFFERENT —cen·trif·u·gal·ly /-g&-lE/ adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

centrifugal cen·trif·u·gal (sěn-trĭf'yə-gəl, -trĭf'ə-)
adj.

  1. Moving or directed away from a center or axis.

  2. Transmitting nerve impulses away from the central nervous system; efferent.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
centrifugal   (sěn-trĭf'yə-gəl, -trĭf'ə-)  Pronunciation Key 

  1. Moving or directed away from a center or axis, usually as a result of being spun around the center or axis.

  2. Operated in the manner of a centrifuge.

  3. Transmitting nerve impulses away from the brain or spinal cord; efferent.

  4. Developing or progressing outward from a center or axis, as in the growth of plant structures. For example, in a centrifugal inflorescence such as a cyme, the flowers in the center or tip open first while those on the edge open last. Compare centripetal.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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