ultracentrifuge

1 of 2

noun

ul·​tra·​cen·​tri·​fuge ˌəl-trə-ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj How to pronounce ultracentrifuge (audio)
: a high-speed centrifuge able to separate out colloidal and other small particles and used especially in determining the sizes of such particles or the molecular weights of large molecules

ultracentrifuge

2 of 2

verb

ultracentrifuged; ultracentrifuging; ultracentrifuges

transitive verb

: to subject to an ultracentrifuge

Examples of ultracentrifuge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The researchers spun samples of E. coli and three other types of bacteria in an ultracentrifuge, to generate hypergravity conditions. Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 27 Apr. 2011 Each sample is run through an ultracentrifuge and then tested for viral RNA using a PCR test. Keith Zubrow, CBS News, 3 Sep. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ultracentrifuge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1924, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultracentrifuge was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near ultracentrifuge

Cite this Entry

“Ultracentrifuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultracentrifuge. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

ultracentrifuge

1 of 2 noun
ul·​tra·​cen·​tri·​fuge -ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj How to pronounce ultracentrifuge (audio)
: a high-speed centrifuge able to sediment colloidal and other small particles and used especially in determining sizes of such particles and molecular weights of large molecules

ultracentrifuge

2 of 2 transitive verb
ultracentrifuged; ultracentrifuging
: to subject to centrifugal action in an ultracentrifuge
ultracentrifuge blood plasma
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