centrifugal

The definition of centrifugal is something that is moving, or that is prone to move, away from a center.

(adjective)

A force that tends to move away from the center is an example of something that would be described as centrifugal.

See centrifugal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Origin: < ModL centrifugus (coined by Sir Isaac Newton < centri- + L fugere, to flee: see fugitive) + -al

noun

a machine that uses or causes centrifugal movement

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See centrifugal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Moving or directed away from a center or axis.
Operated by means of centrifugal force.
Physiology Transmitting nerve impulses away from the central nervous system; efferent.
Botany Developing or progressing outward from a center or axis, as in a flower cluster in which the oldest flowers are in the center and the youngest flowers are near the edge.
Tending or directed away from centralization, as of authority: “The division of Europe into two warring blocs, each ultimately dependent on a superpower patron, is subject to ever-increasing centrifugal stress” (Scott Sullivan).

Origin:

Origin: From New Latin centrifugus

Origin: : Latin centrum, center; see Center

Origin: + Latin fugere, to flee

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