centrifuge

1 of 2

noun

cen·​tri·​fuge ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj How to pronounce centrifuge (audio)
: 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
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.
Noun
In the new images, Kim and accompanying officials can be seen walking between rows of centrifuges in a hall. Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 The attack may have destroyed upward of 1,000 Iranian centrifuges. Sam Sabin, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
The mechanical processing is limited to washing, crushing, centrifuging (separating the oil from solids via a high-speed spinning machine), and filtration.5671 To preserve its quality, EVOO production involves careful control over factors like water, oxygen, and potential contaminants. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 16 Dec. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for centrifuge

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of centrifuge was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Centrifuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrifuge. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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 How to pronounce centrifuge (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on centrifuge

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