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Centrifugal: meaning, definitions and examples

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centrifugal

 

[ sɛntrɪˈfjuːɡəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical forces

Centrifugal refers to a force that moves away from a center or axis. It is often described in terms of motion in circular paths, where objects move outward from a central point due to the inertia of the object's velocity.

Synonyms

expulsive, outward

Examples of usage

  • The centrifugal force pushed the water outwards from the spinning bucket.
  • In a centrifuge, centrifugal force separates substances of different densities.
  • The ride at the amusement park used centrifugal force to keep passengers pressed against the outer wall.

Translations

Translations of the word "centrifugal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 centrífugo

🇮🇳 केंद्रीय बल

🇩🇪 Zentrifugal

🇮🇩 sentifugal

🇺🇦 центрифугальний

🇵🇱 odśrodkowy

🇯🇵 遠心の

🇫🇷 centrifuge

🇪🇸 centrífugo

🇹🇷 santrifüj

🇰🇷 원심의

🇸🇦 طرد مركزي

🇨🇿 odstředivý

🇸🇰 odstredivý

🇨🇳 离心的

🇸🇮 odstranjevalni

🇮🇸 miðjuhringur

🇰🇿 орталықтан тепкіш

🇬🇪 ცენტრიფუგალური

🇦🇿 mərkəzə qovma

🇲🇽 centrífugo

Etymology

The word 'centrifugal' comes from the Latin roots 'centrum' meaning 'center,' and 'fugare' meaning 'to flee.' It began usage in the English language around the early 19th century, primarily in the context of physics to describe forces acting away from a center. The concept of centrifugal force was essential in the study of motion and dynamics, particularly when examining circular and rotational movement. Over the years, the term has been applied in various scientific fields, including engineering and biology, often describing phenomena like the separation of materials or the motion of objects in rotational systems. The historical development of the concept aligns with advancements in mechanics and the understanding of motion, making 'centrifugal' a crucial term in applied physics.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,047, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.