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centrifugal force
noun
: the apparent force that is felt by an object moving in a curved path that acts outwardly away from the center of rotation compare centripetal force
Examples of centrifugal force in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
My previous machine, the Spinn, would grind beans to order and then extract coffee with centrifugal force.
—Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Even if a decent government were to take power instead, the centrifugal forces pulling Sudan apart today are accelerating at such a rapid rate that following the south's likely secession, the eventual dissolution of the remaining north Sudanese state might be inevitable.
—Andrew Natsios, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2011
One study hypothesizes that this repetitive arm swinging may create a centrifugal force that pushes fluid into your hands and fingers.1
As the exercise ends and your arms stop swinging, the force dissipates, and your body's blood vessels can gradually move the swelling out of the arms.
—Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024
Some of these centrifugal forces have originated in the United States and western European countries themselves.
—Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020
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Word History
First Known Use
1698, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of centrifugal force was
in 1698
Dictionary Entries Near centrifugal force
Cite this Entry
“Centrifugal force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrifugal%20force. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
centrifugal force
noun
: the force that tends to cause a thing or parts of a thing to go outward from a center of rotation
More from Merriam-Webster on centrifugal force
Nglish: Translation of centrifugal force for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about centrifugal force
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