centrifugal force

noun

: the apparent force that is felt by an object moving in a curved path that acts outwardly away from the center of rotation compare centripetal force

Examples of centrifugal force in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Here the centrifugal force points away from the axis of rotation, not away from the center of the cloud. Rhett Allain, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2024 For the case of Kepler’s law, this included expressions for gravitational and centrifugal forces, as well as basic premises like mass should always be positive. Dina Genkina, Ars Technica, 8 Aug. 2023 And yet the album retains Morphine’s signature ruminative sound, one that draws the listener in as if by centrifugal force. James Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2023 Top-speed running is best left for high-banked circle tracks such as Nardo in Italy, where a bit of centrifugal force can help to counteract the slight aerodynamic lift that causes the Diablo to become light and darty at speed. Frank Markus, Car and Driver, 1 Aug. 2023 In the work, the two dancers cycle through the steps methodically, adding the turns and the crouched spin, clutching each other in resistance to the centrifugal force that pulls them apart. Brian Seibert, New York Times, 21 July 2023 The machine uses centrifugal force that spins at different speeds to produce different types of coffee and espresso. Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023 George Washington, John Adams, James Madison, and the rest accomplished these stunning feats not only in spite of the tactical advantages of the British army and navy, but also in spite of the overwhelming centrifugal forces of disunion and civil wars that were acting on them every day. Time, 3 July 2023 The accretion disk is held stable by the outward push of centrifugal force generated by its rotation and the inward force of the black hole’s gravitational influence. Robert Lea, Popular Mechanics, 13 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'centrifugal force.' 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

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centrifugal force was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near centrifugal force

Cite this Entry

“Centrifugal force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrifugal%20force. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

centrifugal force

noun
: the force that tends to cause a thing or parts of a thing to go outward from a center of rotation

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