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Centrifuge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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centrifuge

[ˈsɛntrɪfjuːdʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

scientific instrument

A centrifuge is a machine that uses centrifugal force to separate components of a mixture based on their density. It spins samples at high speeds, causing denser substances to move outward and less dense substances to collect at the center. This process is widely used in laboratories for purifying cells, proteins, and other substances. Centrifuges come in various types and sizes, from small benchtop models to large industrial machines. They are essential in research and diagnostic laboratories.

Synonyms

extractor, separator, spinner.

Examples of usage

  • The lab technician placed the blood samples in the centrifuge.
  • Using a centrifuge, we can isolate the proteins from the mixture.
  • The centrifuge spins at over 5000 RPM to achieve the desired separation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, centrifuges are used to separate cells from liquids, which is crucial in labs for studying living organisms.
  • They help in blood testing by separating red and white blood cells from plasma, ensuring accurate lab results.
  • Centrifuges play a role in nuclear spin and are essential in enriching uranium for energy production.

Technology

  • Modern centrifuges come in various sizes, from tabletop models for labs to large industrial machines used in factories.
  • There are different types of centrifuges, including fixed-angle and swinging-bucket, each serving distinct purposes.
  • Advancements in technology have made centrifuge machines faster and more energy-efficient, improving safety and productivity.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, centrifuges are often depicted in scenes involving scientific experiments or space missions.
  • They can be seen in crime dramas where forensic scientists use centrifuges to analyze evidence from crime scenes.
  • The spinning action of a centrifuge has been used metaphorically in various media to symbolize separation or chaos.

Literature

  • Centrifuge technology is sometimes explored in science fiction, highlighting the separation of humanity from nature or the cosmos.
  • Writers have drawn parallels between the pronounced movement in centrifuges and societal upheaval, creating symbolic narratives.
  • Poets may evoke the imagery of spinning and separation to explore themes of identity and belonging in modern life.

Origin of 'centrifuge'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'centrum,' meaning center, and 'fugere,' meaning to flee, suggesting it spins from the center.
  • Centrifuge was first introduced in the early 19th century as methods to separate liquids and solids based on density.
  • French scientist Pierre-Simon Laplace proposed ideas related to the principles of spinning bodies, influencing the design of early centrifuges.

The word 'centrifuge' originates from the Latin word 'centrum,' meaning 'center,' combined with 'fugere,' meaning 'to flee.' The term reflects the principle of the device, where materials are forced away from the center by the centrifugal force when the machine spins. The concept of using centrifugal force for separation has been explored since the late 18th century, but the modern device as we know it was developed in the early 20th century. Initially used in the dairy industry to separate cream from milk, its applications rapidly expanded into fields such as biology, chemistry, and medicine. Today, centrifuges are indispensable for tasks ranging from clinical diagnostics to industrial processes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,704, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.