centrifuge
/ˈsen.trɪ.fjuːdʒ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A machine that spins very fast to separate substances of different densities. It is often used in laboratories and medical tests.
- The sample went into the centrifuge.
- The centrifuge separated the liquid quickly.
verb
To separate or clean something by spinning it fast in a centrifuge.
- Scientists centrifuge the blood sample.
- We centrifuged the mixture before testing it.
Adinary Nuance
A centrifuge is the machine or the process of spinning something fast to separate parts. It is more specific than spin or shake, because separation is the goal. In science and medicine, people use centrifuge for lab work, not for ordinary movement.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- máy ly tâm
- Spanish
- centrífuga
- Chinese
- 离心机
- Japanese
- 遠心分離機
- Korean
- 원심분리기
Etymology
Centrifuge comes from Latin roots meaning 'center' and 'to flee.' It entered English in the 17th century, first as a science term.
Common phrases
use a centrifugeput in a centrifugelaboratory centrifugecentrifuge tube
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is centrifuge a noun or a verb?
- It can be both. A centrifuge is the machine, and to centrifuge means to separate by spinning.
- Is centrifuge used in everyday English?
- No, it is mostly used in science, medicine, and technical writing.
- What is the difference between centrifuge and spin?
- Spin is general. Centrifuge means to spin fast for separation.
- Is centrifuge formal?
- Yes, it is a technical word used in academic and professional settings.