Centrifugal-force
an outward force on a body rotating about an axis, assumed equal and opposite to the centripetal force and postulated to account for the phenomena seen by an observer in the rotating body.
noun
a fictitious force that can be thought of as acting outwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path
centrifugal force
An effect that seems to cause an object moving in a curve to be pushed away from the curve’s center. Centrifugal force is not a true force but is actually the effect of inertia, in that the moving object’s natural tendency is to move in a straight line. See Note at centripetal force.
centrifugal force [(sen-trif-yuh-guhl, sen-trif-uh-guhl)]
A force that tends to move objects away from the center in a system undergoing circular motion. Centrifugal force keeps the water in a whirling bucket from spilling or throws a rider in a car against the door when the car goes around a sharp curve. Centrifugal force is actually a form of inertia.
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centrifugal nerve n. See efferent nerve.
- Centrifugal pump
noun a pump having a high-speed rotating impeller whose blades throw the water outwards Historical Examples
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pot spinning. the spinning of rayon filaments in a centrifugal box.
- Centrifugal
moving or directed outward from the center (opposed to centripetal). pertaining to or operated by centrifugal force: a centrifugal pump. Physiology. efferent. Machinery. a machine for separating different materials by centrifugal force; a centrifuge. a rotating, perforated drum holding the materials to be separated in such a machine. Contemporary Examples Historical Examples adjective acting, moving, […]
- Centrifugalize
centrifuge (def 2). Historical Examples