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Definition of centrifuge

centrifuge

/ˈsɛn.trəˌfjuːdʒ/
cen · tri · fuge
Adverb:centrifugally
•
Plural:centrifuges
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Adjective:centrifugal
•
Past Simple:centrifuged
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Past Participle:centrifuged
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Present Participle:centrifuging
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centrifuge Lexical Profile

centrifuge Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A machine with a rapidly rotating container that applies outward force to its contents, typically used to separate substances of different densities.

Example

"The lab technician placed the blood samples into the centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To subject a substance or mixture to the action of a rapidly spinning machine in order to separate its components.

Example

"We need to centrifuge the mixture for ten minutes to fully isolate the DNA."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for centrifuge

• Nearby Words

centranthus
centrex
centric
centrifuge
centrism
centrist
centurion

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 17th century by Sir Isaac Newton as Modern Latin 'centrifugus', from Latin 'centrum' (center) + 'fugere' (to flee). The noun form emerged in the 19th century from French.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Centrifuge. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/centrifuge
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