centrifuge

1 of 2

noun

cen·​tri·​fuge ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj How to pronounce centrifuge (audio)
: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects

centrifuge

2 of 2

verb

centrifuged; centrifuging

transitive verb

: to subject to centrifugal action especially in a centrifuge

Examples of centrifuge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And the new agreement doesn't mention centrifuges. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 17 June 2026 Part of that perception stemmed from Iran's rapid manufacture of centrifuges, which are needed to produce the fissile material that could be used in nuclear bombs, in the 2000s. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 June 2026
Verb
Fresh marigold leaves were rinsed, chopped, crushed, centrifuged, filtered, and evaporated. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 6 Feb. 2026 The first step is often to centrifuge a blood specimen into separate components. — Nicholas Moore, The Conversation, 14 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for centrifuge

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from centrifuge centrifugal, from New Latin centrifugus

First Known Use

Noun

1866, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centrifuge was in 1866

Rhymes for centrifuge

See All Rhymes for centrifuge

Browse Nearby Words

centrifugation
centrifuge
centrifugence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Centrifuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrifuge. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

centrifuge

noun
cen·​tri·​fuge
ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj
: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for causing gravitational effects

Medical Definition

centrifuge

1 of 2 noun
cen·​tri·​fuge ˈsen-trə-ˌfyüj How to pronounce centrifuge (audio)
: a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects

centrifuge

2 of 2 transitive verb
centrifuged; centrifuging
: to subject to centrifugal action especially in a centrifuge

More from Merriam-Webster on centrifuge

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about centrifuge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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