First Known Use: circa 1721
Dictionary
1centrifugal
adjective cen·trif·u·gal \sen-ˈtri-fyə-gəl, -ˈtri-fi-, especially British ˌsen-tri-ˈfyü-gəl\
: moving away from a center : acting in a direction away from a center
Full Definition of CENTRIFUGAL
1
: proceeding or acting in a direction away from a center or axis
2
: using or acting by centrifugal force <a centrifugal pump>
3
: efferent
4
: tending away from centralization : separatist <centrifugal tendencies in modern society>
— cen·trif·u·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb
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Origin of CENTRIFUGAL
New Latin centrifugus, from centr- + Latin fugere to flee — more at fugitive
Other Physics Terms
2centrifugal
noun
Definition of CENTRIFUGAL
: a centrifugal machine or a drum in such a machine
First Known Use of CENTRIFUGAL
1866
Other Mechanical Engineering Terms
Medical Dictionary
centrifugal
adjective cen·trif·u·gal \sen-ˈtrif-yə-gəl, -ˈtrif-i-gəl\
Medical Definition of CENTRIFUGAL
: passing outward (as from a nerve center to a muscle or gland) : efferent
—cen·trif·u·gal·ly \-gə-lē\ adverb
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