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centrifugal force

noun

  1. an outward force on a body rotating about an axis, assumed equal and opposite to the centripetal force and postulated to account for the phenomena seen by an observer in the rotating body.

centrifugal force

noun

  1. a fictitious force that can be thought of as acting outwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

centrifugal force

  1. An effect that seems to cause an object moving in a curve to be pushed away from the curve's center. Centrifugal force is not a true force but is actually the effect of inertia, in that the moving object's natural tendency is to move in a straight line.
  2. See Note at centripetal force

centrifugal force

  1. A force that tends to move objects away from the center in a system undergoing circular motion. Centrifugal force keeps the water in a whirling bucket from spilling or throws a rider in a car against the door when the car goes around a sharp curve. Centrifugal force is actually a form of inertia .
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Word History and Origins

Origin of centrifugal force1

First recorded in 1715–25
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Compare Meanings

How does centrifugal force compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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