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Centrifuge vs Centripetal - What's the difference?

centrifuge | centripetal |

As a noun centrifuge

is 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.

As a verb centrifuge

is to rotate something in a centrifuge in order to separate its constituents.

As an adjective centripetal is

directed or moving towards a centre.

centrifuge

English

Noun

(wikipedia centrifuge) (en 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.
  • (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

    Verb

  • To rotate something in a centrifuge in order to separate its constituents

    • centripetal

    English

    Adjective

    (wikipedia centripetal) (-)
  • directed or moving towards a centre
  • of, relating to, or operated by centripetal force
  • (neuroanatomy, of a nerve impulse) directed towards the central nervous system; afferent

    • Antonyms

    * centrifugal

    Derived terms

    * centripetal force