centrifuge
/ˈsɛntɹɪˌfjuːdʒ/ noun, verb
Forms centrifuges centrifuging centrifuged
- noun 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.
- noun (figuratively) An apparatus in which humans are spun to simulate acceleration in an aircraft or spacecraft.
- noun By extension, any device which rotates in order to produce artificial gravity (in the form of centrifugal force)
- verb To rotate something in a centrifuge, typically in order to separate its constituents.
Synonyms
Etymology
From French centrifuge, from Latin centrum (“center”) + fugiō (“to flee”). Equivalent to centri- + -fuge.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “centrifuge”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details