centripetal acceleration

(mechanics) The radial component of the acceleration of a particle or object moving around a circle, which can be shown to be directed toward the center of the circle. Also known as radial acceleration.

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In meteorology, the force acting into the centre of a high- or low-pressure system which causes winds to blow along a curved path, parallel to the isobars. It is of greatest significance in tropical cyclones and tornadoes.

The component of angular acceleration that directs a body in angular motion towards the centre of curvature. Radial acceleration can be measured using the following formula: a_r = v²/r where a_r is the radial acceleration, v is the tangential linear velocity of a moving object, and r is the length of the radius of rotation.