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
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Acrobatic moves involve high centrifugal forces, short decision times, and challenging launch and landing dynamics—all of these can drive us towards a deeper understanding of actuator, sensors, and control strategies. IEEE Spectrum, 22 May 2018 Just slightly larger than a toaster, the appliance uses a cylinder, spinning at several hundred rotations per minute, to create its own artificial gravity through centrifugal force. Sarah Miller, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025 The resulting centrifugal force was equivalent to one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, which is what would be felt on the Moon. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2025 Scientists have theorized that by spinning a spacecraft or a specific section of it, centrifugal force could mimic the effects of gravity, allowing astronauts to function more normally during long space missions. William Mullane, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Centrifugal force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrifugal%20force. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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

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