centrifuge
SEN-truh-fyooj
/ˈsen.trɪ.fjuːdʒ/
A laboratory machine that spins containers rapidly to separate substances of different densities using centrifugal force; (verb) to subject to such spinning.
Refers to mechanical rotary separation based on mass differential under high acceleration.
The story behind the word. Coined in 19th-century scientific French by combining centre with Latin fugere ('to flee'). The device literally forces heavier particles to 'flee from the center' outward to the bottom of the tube.
Word relationships
- separator: Separator is a generic term for any separating mechanism; centrifuge specifically uses high-speed rotation.
Commonly confused with
- centripetal: Centripetal force points inward toward the center; centrifugal force describes the apparent outward pull during spinning.
Word family
- centrifugation (noun): The process of separating components using a centrifuge.
- centrifugal (adjective): Moving or tending to move away from the center.
Collocations
- benchtop centrifuge
- high-speed centrifuge
- centrifuge at 4000 RPM
- refrigerated centrifuge
Example sentences
- "The blood sample was placed in the centrifuge to separate red cells from liquid plasma." Clinical Hematology
- "After lysis, centrifuge the tubes at 12,000 RPM for ten minutes to pellet the cell debris." Biotechnology Protocol
Memory hook
A CENTRIFUGE makes dense particles FLEE (fuge) from the CENTER. Spinning to make heavy parts flee the center.
When not to use
Do not use for general stirring or shaking without rotational force separation.
Fun facts
- Industrial centrifuges are essential in dairies to separate cream from milk, and in nuclear technology to enrich uranium isotopes.
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