centrifuge
UK[ˈsentrɪfjuːdʒ]US[ˈsentrəˌfjuːdʒ]
n
A machine that uses rapid spinning to separate substances of different densities, especially liquids from solids.
v
To subject a substance to separation using rapid spinning in a centrifuge.
Morpheme Breakdown
centri
fuge
centri
center
fuge
to flee
Etymology
The word 'centrifuge' is a modern scientific term constructed from classical Latin roots to precisely describe its function. The first element, 'centri-', derives from the Latin 'centrum', meaning the central point or pivot. The second element, '-fuge', originates from the Latin verb 'fugere', meaning "to flee" or "to drive away". When combined, the term literally means "fleeing from the center" or "driven away from the center". This perfectly captures the operational principle of the device: by rapidly rotating a container around a central axis, it creates a centrifugal force that drives denser components outward, away from the center, thereby separating them from less dense materials.
Analysis
Structure: centri (center) + fuge (to flee)
- centri: From Latin centrum, meaning "center". In this word, it functions as a combining form indicating a central point or axis.
- fuge: From Latin fugere, meaning "to flee" or "to drive away". In this word, it functions as a combining form indicating something that repels or causes to flee.
Examples
The laboratory technician placed the blood samples in the centrifuge to separate the plasma from the cells.
You need to centrifuge the mixture for at least five minutes to obtain a clear supernatant.
The industrial centrifuge is used to remove water from newly washed clothes in large laundries.