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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for centrifugal force 

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!