English Reference

Word

centrifugal

Phoneticscen·trifu·gal

US/ˈsɛntɹɪfˌjuɡəɫ/

UK/sˌɛntɹɪfjˈuːɡəl/

Definition

adj. relating to a force that pushes things away from the center of a circle. In plants, it describes how parts grow outward from the middle of a stem or root.

adj. relating to a force directed away from the center of a circle or sphere. In botanical contexts, describes growth patterns where tissues develop outward from the central axis of a stem or root.

Examples

“The plant shows centrifugal growth as it spreads its leaves.”

“Botanists observed centrifugal growth in the young sapling, noting how the outer layers expanded faster than the inner core.”

“The centrifugal force within the vascular system of the plant helps distribute nutrients from the central stem to the outermost leaves, ensuring even development across the canopy.”

Examples

simple

“The plant shows centrifugal growth as it spreads its leaves.”

contextual

“Botanists observed centrifugal growth in the young sapling, noting how the outer layers expanded faster than the inner core.”

complex

“The centrifugal force within the vascular system of the plant helps distribute nutrients from the central stem to the outermost leaves, ensuring even development across the canopy.”

Real-World Examples

“High-strength, plastically deformable CoAl alloys could allow an engine or turbo to spin faster while sustaining higher centrifugal force, improving their performance." Like many intermetallics, bulk CoAl is especially brittle at room temperature.”
ScienceDaily · 31 Jul 2026

Etymology

From New Latin centrifugālis, coined by Christiaan Huygens from Latin centrum (“center”) + fugiō (“to flee”) + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Botany

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference