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Definition of centrifuge
centrifuge
/ˈsɛn.trəˌfjuːdʒ/
cen · tri · fuge
Adverb:centrifugally
•Plural:centrifuges
•Adjective:centrifugal
•Past Simple:centrifuged
•Past Participle:centrifuged
•Present Participle:centrifuging
centrifuge Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
centrifuge Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
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WWF
Wordle Guess
• 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
View all synonyms for centrifuge• 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
View all synonyms for centrifuge Antonyms
View all antonyms for centrifuge• Rhymes for centrifuge
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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 Oct 18, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/centrifuge