centrifugal

/sɛnˈtrɪfəgəl/

Other forms: centrifugally

The physics principle whereby objects are forced to move out from the center is called centrifugal force. This apparent force is activated by something moving in a curved direction; the heavier the object the stronger the force.

The word centrifugal is from the Latin centrum, "center," and fugere, "to flee," so the word means "center-fleeing." Centrifugal force was studied by physicists as far back as 1629, and the term itself was used by Sir Isaac Newton, in its Latin guise vis centrifuga, in 1687.

Definitions of centrifugal

1. adjective

   tending to move away from a center
   “centrifugal force”

   synonyms:

   outward-developing

   away from an axis, as in a flower cluster in which the oldest flowers are in the center, the youngest near the edge

   outward-moving

   moving or directed away from center, especially when spinning or traveling in a curve

   antonyms:

   centripetal

   tending to move toward a center

   inward-developing

   toward an axis, as in a sunflower; the oldest flowers are near the edge, the youngest in the center

   inward-moving

   moving or directed toward the center or axis, especially when spinning or traveling in a curve
2. adjective

   tending away from centralization, as of authority
   “the division of Europe into warring blocs produces ever-increasing centrifugal stress”

   synonyms:

   decentralising, decentralizing

   tending away from a central point
3. adjective

   conveying information to the muscles from the CNS
   synonyms: motor

   efferent, motorial

   of nerves and nerve impulses; conveying information away from the CNS