cen·tri·fuge (sĕn'trə-fyūj')
n.

1. An apparatus consisting essentially of a compartment spun about a central axis to separate contained materials of different specific gravities, or to separate colloidal particles suspended in a liquid.
2. An apparatus in which humans or animals are enclosed and which is revolved to simulate the effects of acceleration in a spacecraft.

tr.v., -fuged, -fug·ing, -fug·es.
To rotate (something) in a centrifuge or to separate, dehydrate, or test by means of this apparatus.

[French, centrifugal, from New Latin centrifugus. See centrifugal.]

centrifugation cen·trif'u·ga'tion (sĕn-trĭf'yə-gā'shən, -trĭf'ə-) n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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