Coriolis force

noun

: an apparent force that as a result of the earth's rotation deflects moving objects (such as projectiles or air currents) to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere

Examples of Coriolis force in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the reference frame of the rotating spacecraft, there is another force to think about: the Coriolis force. —Rhett Allain, Wired, 14 May 2021

By the end of the motion, the Coriolis force is almost 1 g. —Rhett Allain, Wired, 14 May 2021

Land falling cyclones are almost unheard of in Tanzania due to its close proximity to the equator, where the Coriolis force -- what causes the storm to rotate -- is weaker. —Pedram Javaheri, CNN, 22 Apr. 2021

Proof of this includes the Coriolis force. —Eleanor McCrary, USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Gaspard G. Coriolis †1843 French civil engineer

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Coriolis force

noun

: a force that as a result of the earth's rotation acts on a body in motion (as a projectile)