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
Noun
His blood was drawn from a catheter in his vein and run through a centrifuge to separate out the stem cells. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 24 Sep. 2024 Riyadh could then use its advanced enrichment technologies, such as gas centrifuges, to produce weapons-grade uranium, evading detection by international inspectors through concealment and deception. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2024
Verb
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 In 2010, centrifuges at an Iranian nuclear facility were hijacked by a cyberweapon built and used by the United States and Israel. Paul Mozur, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for centrifuge 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'centrifuge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near centrifuge

Cite this Entry

“Centrifuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrifuge. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

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