Centrifuge

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈsÉ›ntɹɪˌfjÊŠdÊ’/

Origin

From French centrifuge.

Noun

1. A device in which a mixture of denser and lighter materials (normally dispersed in a liquid) is separated by being spun about a central axis at high speed.
2. (figuratively) An apparatus in which humans are spun to simulate acceleration in an aircraft or spacecraft.

Derived terms

• gas centrifuge
• ultracentrifuge

Related terms

• centrifugal force

Full definition of centrifuge

Verb

1. To rotate something in a centrifuge in order to separate its constituents