First Known Use: 1709
Dictionary
centripetal
adjective cen·trip·e·tal \sen-ˈtri-pə-təl\
: moving toward a center : acting in a direction toward a center
Full Definition of CENTRIPETAL
1
: proceeding or acting in a direction toward a center or axis
2
: afferent
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Origin of CENTRIPETAL
New Latin centripetus, from centr- + Latin petere to go to, seek — more at feather
Other Physics Terms
Medical Dictionary
centripetal
adjective cen·trip·e·tal \sen-ˈtrip-ət-əl\
Medical Definition of CENTRIPETAL
: passing inward (as from a sense organ to the brain or spinal cord) : afferent
—cen·trip·e·tal·ly \-əl-ē\ adverb
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