centrifuge

1 of 2

noun

cen·​tri·​fuge ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj 

: 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

Noun

Discussions about limiting Iran’s nuclear program are formidably complex, with challenges that are both technical (determining the speeds of centrifuges that can be used) and diplomatic (verifying the Iranians’ often dubious claims of disarmament). — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Photographs from the visit indicate gas centrifuge cascades are installed on both the upper and lower floors of the main building, the report said, adding the building could accommodate up to 28 of the cascades shown in the photographs. — CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Verb

Tubes drawn from a patient's arm travel a track that centrifuges them, checks the sample volume and quality and then routes them to whichever analyzer needs them and archives what's left, without the need for a technician. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

These centrifuges separate uranium isotopes, increasing the concentration of uranium-235 required to produce fuel for commercial nuclear reactors. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for centrifuge

• febrifuge
• subterfuge
• huge
• kluge
• scrooge
• stooge
• ultracentrifuge

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 

: 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