What does centrifugally mean?
"Centrifugally" is an adverb describing movement directed away from the center of a rotating body, along an outward radius. It derives from the adjective "centrifugal," which combines Latin roots meaning "fleeing the center." In physics, objects in a rotating system tend to move centrifugally: water in a spinning drum presses outward against its walls, and in a laboratory centrifuge denser particles are flung centrifugally until they settle at the outer end of the tube. Engineers also speak of components being centrifugally cast, meaning molten material is forced outward against the interior of a rotating mold. Its natural opposite is "centripetally," which describes motion toward the center. The word belongs chiefly to scientific and technical registers and is uncommon in casual speech, where the related adjective "centrifugal" does most of the work.
adverbIn a direction away from the center of rotation, along a radius moving outward; in the manner of centrifugal force.
- In a direction away from the axis or center of rotation.
- By means of, or as a result of, centrifugal force.
"The molten metal was distributed centrifugally along the walls of the rotating mold."
"Particles suspended in the sample were driven centrifugally by the spinning rotor until they packed against the tube wall."
"In the rotating frame of reference, every object appears to drift centrifugally unless something holds it in place."
When you spin a bucket of water over your head and nothing falls out, that's centrifugal force pushing the water centrifugally — away from the center — while the bucket bottom pushes back centripetally to keep it circling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of centrifugally
"Centrifugally" is formed from the adjective "centrifugal" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly." "Centrifugal" was coined in the late 17th century from New Latin "centrifugus," combining Latin "centrum" (center) and "fugere" (to flee), literally "fleeing from the center." It shares the root "fugere" with English words such as "refuge," "fugitive," and "subterfuge."
Related word forms
How centrifugally is actually used
A technical term found mainly in physics, engineering, and laboratory writing; rare in everyday conversation, where speakers typically use the adjective 'centrifugal' instead.
Easily confused with centrifugally
Centrifugally means outward from the center of rotation, while centripetally means toward it.