centrifugal

¹cen·trif·u·gal

adjective \sen-ˈtri-fyə-gəl, -ˈtri-fi-, especially British ˌsen-tri-ˈfyü-gəl\

Definition of CENTRIFUGAL

1

: proceeding or acting in a direction away from a center or axis

2

: using or acting by centrifugal force <a centrifugal pump>

3

: efferent

4

: tending away from centralization : separatist <centrifugal tendencies in modern society>

— cen·trif·u·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb

Origin of CENTRIFUGAL

New Latin centrifugus, from centr- + Latin fugere to flee — more at fugitive

First Known Use: circa 1721

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

²centrifugal

noun

Definition of CENTRIFUGAL

: a centrifugal machine or a drum in such a machine

First Known Use of CENTRIFUGAL

1866

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, differential, flange, lathe, linchpin, pinion, plenum, ratchet, traction

cen·trif·u·gal

adjective \sen-ˈtrif-yə-gəl, -ˈtrif-i-gəl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CENTRIFUGAL

: passing outward (as from a nerve center to a muscle or gland) : efferent

—cen·trif·u·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ (audio pronunciation) adverb