centrifuge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “centrifuge” mean?
A machine that separates substances of different densities by spinning them at high speed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A machine that separates substances of different densities by spinning them at high speed.
To subject something to centrifugal force, often to separate its components.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but common in scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “centrifuge” in a Sentence
[subject] centrifuges [object][object] is centrifuged (at [speed])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centrifuge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must centrifuge the sample for five minutes.
- The lab centrifuged the suspensions to obtain a pellet.
American English
- Centrifuge the mixture at high speed.
- They centrifuged the blood to separate the plasma.
adjective
British English
- The centrifuge force was calculated.
- A centrifuge process is used.
American English
- Centrifuge separation is efficient.
- The centrifuge tube broke.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in industries like pharmaceuticals, dairy (milk separation), and waste management.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering texts.
Everyday
Rare outside of specific contexts (e.g., "They had to centrifuge my blood sample at the clinic").
Technical
Precise term for equipment and processes involving centrifugal force for separation or testing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centrifuge”
- Mispronouncing as /senˈtrɪfjuːdʒ/ (stress on second syllable).
- Using as a general term for any separator.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a noun but is also commonly used as a verb (e.g., 'to centrifuge a sample').
A centrifuge separates components using centrifugal force, while a mixer combines them.
It is a specialised term. Most everyday use relates to medical or scientific contexts (e.g., blood tests).
Centrifugal force, which pushes denser substances outward and away from the centre of rotation.
A machine that separates substances of different densities by spinning them at high speed.
Centrifuge is usually technical/scientific in register.
Centrifuge: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsentrɪfjuːdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsentrəˌfjuːdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “social centrifuge (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CENTRIfuge = CENTER + FLEE. Imagine things fleeing *from the center* when spun.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEPARATION IS SPINNING (e.g., 'The crisis centrifuged the population into opposing factions').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'centrifuge' most precisely used?