centrifugal force
noun
an outward force on a body rotating about an axis, assumed equal and opposite to the centripetal force and postulated to account for the phenomena seen by an observer in the rotating body.
Origin of centrifugal force
First recorded in 1715–25
Words nearby centrifugal force
British Dictionary definitions for centrifugal force
centrifugal force
noun
a fictitious force that can be thought of as acting outwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path
Scientific definitions for centrifugal force
centrifugal force
An effect that seems to cause an object moving in a curve to be pushed away from the curve's center. Centrifugal force is not a true force but is actually the effect of inertia, in that the moving object's natural tendency is to move in a straight line. See Note at centripetal force.
Cultural definitions for centrifugal force
centrifugal force
[ (sen-trif-yuh-guhl, sen-trif-uh-guhl) ]
A force that tends to move objects away from the center in a system undergoing circular motion. Centrifugal force keeps the water in a whirling bucket from spilling or throws a rider in a car against the door when the car goes around a sharp curve. Centrifugal force is actually a form of inertia.