centrifuge

1 of 2

noun

cen·​tri·​fuge ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj 

: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects

centrifuge

2 of 2

verb

centrifuged; centrifuging

transitive verb

: to subject to centrifugal action especially in a centrifuge

Examples of centrifuge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These machines make a damn fine cup of coffee plus consistently good espresso-style shots using centrifuge technology. —Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024

That all changed in 2010 with the Stuxnet operation, a devastatingly effective cyberattack on centrifuges that Iran used to enrich uranium. —Sue Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021

Verb

This is sent through an enrichment process, usually in gas centrifuges, where it is turned into gaseous form and centrifuged till the two isotopes are separated from each other due to their slight difference in their atomic weights. —Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 10 June 2024

In 2010, centrifuges at an Iranian nuclear facility were hijacked by a cyberweapon built and used by the United States and Israel. —Paul Mozur, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from centrifuge centrifugal, from New Latin centrifugus

First Known Use

Noun

1866, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1883, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

centrifuge

noun

cen·​tri·​fuge

ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj

: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for causing gravitational effects

Medical Definition

centrifuge

1 of 2 noun

cen·​tri·​fuge ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj 

: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects

centrifuge

2 of 2 transitive verb

centrifuged; centrifuging

: to subject to centrifugal action especially in a centrifuge