centrifuge

1 of 2

noun

cen·​tri·​fuge ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj How to pronounce centrifuge (audio)
: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects

centrifuge

2 of 2

verb

centrifuged; centrifuging

transitive verb

: to subject to centrifugal action especially in a centrifuge

Examples of centrifuge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
That deal, which required Iran to limit its nuclear program by, among other things, cutting enrichment levels and reducing centrifuges, took effect in 2016 and was due to expire 10 years after it was adopted. Michael Collins, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2026 Upstairs at Sperm Racing HQ is a lab stocked with racks of test tubes, centrifuges for separating out the most motile sperm from a sample, and little plastic slides containing new microscopic racecourses for frat-boy cum. Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
Fresh marigold leaves were rinsed, chopped, crushed, centrifuged, filtered, and evaporated. Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 6 Feb. 2026 Built by Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Group as part of China's Centrifugal Hypergravity and Interdisciplinary Experiment Facility (CHIEF), CHIEF1900 will soon function at 1,900 g-tonnes, surpassing the previously most powerful centrifuge the CHIEF1300. New Atlas, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for centrifuge

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from centrifuge centrifugal, from New Latin centrifugus

First Known Use

Noun

1866, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centrifuge was in 1866

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Centrifuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrifuge. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

centrifuge

noun
cen·​tri·​fuge
ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj
: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for causing gravitational effects

Medical Definition

centrifuge

1 of 2 noun
cen·​tri·​fuge ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj How to pronounce centrifuge (audio)
: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects

centrifuge

2 of 2 transitive verb
centrifuged; centrifuging
: to subject to centrifugal action especially in a centrifuge

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