centripetal

[ sen-trip-i-tl ]
/ sɛnˈtrɪp ɪ tl /

adjective

directed toward the center (opposed to centrifugal).
operating by centripetal force.
Physiology. afferent.

Origin of centripetal

1700–10; < New Latin centripet(us) center-seeking ( centri- centri- + -petus, derivative of Latin petere to seek) + -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM centripetal

cen·trip·e·tal·ism, noun cen·trip·e·tal·ly, adverb un·cen·trip·e·tal, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH centripetal

centrifugal centripetal

Example sentences from the Web for centripetal

British Dictionary definitions for centripetal

centripetal
/ (sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl, ˈsɛntrɪˌpiːtəl) /

adjective

acting, moving, or tending to move towards a centre Compare centrifugal
of, concerned with, or operated by centripetal force
botany (esp of certain inflorescences) developing from the outside towards the centre
physiol another word for afferent

Derived forms of centripetal

centripetally, adverb

Word Origin for centripetal

C17: from New Latin centripetus seeking the centre; see centri-, -petal

Medical definitions for centripetal

centripetal
[ sĕn-trĭpĭ-tl ]

adj.

Moving or directed toward a center or axis.
Transmitting nerve impulses toward the central nervous system; afferent.

Scientific definitions for centripetal

centripetal
[ sĕn-trĭpĭ-tl ]

Moving or directed toward a center or axis, particularly one around which an object is spinning.
Transmitting nerve impulses toward the brain or spinal cord; afferent.
Developing or progressing inward toward a center or axis, as in the growth of plant structures. For example, in the disk of the inflorescence of a sunflower, the florets near the edge open first, and the ones in the center last. Compare centrifugal.