centrifuge
SEN-tri-fyooj
/ˈsɛntrɪˌfjuːdʒ/
A machine using rapid rotation to apply centrifugal force, separating substances of different densities (such as blood cells from plasma).
Can be used as a noun (the machine itself) or a verb (the act of spinning the samples).
The story behind the word. Coined in the 19th century from Latin roots meaning 'to flee the center'. It perfectly describes how the rapid spinning forces the heavier, denser blood cells to 'flee' to the very bottom of the tube.
Word relationships
- separator: A broad term for any device that separates, whereas a centrifuge specifically uses high-speed spinning.
Commonly confused with
- centripetal: Centripetal refers to forces directed toward the center, while centrifuge is based on centrifugal force, which acts outward from the center.
Word family
- centrifugation (noun): The process of separating substances using a centrifuge.
Collocations
- laboratory centrifuge
- high-speed centrifuge
- centrifuge tube
Example sentences
- "The technician placed the tubes of whole blood into the centrifuge to separate the heavy red blood cells from the lighter plasma." Laboratory processing
Memory hook
Think of a carnival ride that spins so fast you get pinned to the wall, fleeing the center. Fleeing the center.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple mixing or shaking; its sole purpose is separation.
Fun facts
- Industrial centrifuges are used not only in medical labs but also to enrich uranium for nuclear power and to separate cream from milk in dairy farming.
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