CENTRIPETAL Meaning and
Definition
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Centripetal is an adjective that describes a force or motion directed or pulling towards the center. It is derived from the Latin word "centrum" meaning center, and the Greek word "πέταλον" meaning fastening, tying, or putting together. Centripetal refers to the inward force acting on an object, typically while moving in a circular or curved path, which continually redirects it towards the center of the path.
In physics, centripetal force is often used to explain the nature of circular or rotational motion. According to Newton's laws of motion, an object moving in a curved path experiences a centripetal force that keeps it from moving in a straight line. This force acts perpendicular to the direction of motion, pointing towards the center of the circle or curve. The magnitude of centripetal force depends on the mass, velocity, and radius of the object's path. It is essential for maintaining equilibrium and preventing objects from flying off a curved path.
Beyond physics, centripetal can also describe trends or forces that unify or draw things together. For example, in social or political contexts, centripetal forces can refer to factors that promote cohesion and unity within a group or society, such as a shared language, culture, or ideology. The term can also describe the physical and emotional forces that guide individuals towards a central point or core, either figuratively or literally.
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In a direction toward any center, afferent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Tending to the centre; having a desire to move to the centre; in bot., applied to that kind of inflorescence in plants in which the flowers expand from below upwards; centrifugal force, the force by which bodies, when set in motion round a centre, have a tendency to fly off at a tangent from the circle round which they move: centripetal force, the force which drives or impels a body towards some point as a centre; the force or gravity by which bodies tend to a point or centre.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CENTRIPETAL
Etymology of CENTRIPETAL
The word "centripetal" ultimately derives from Latin. It comes from the combination of two Latin words: "centrum", meaning "center", and "petere", meaning "to seek" or "to go towards". The term was first recorded in English around the late 17th century, and it refers to a force or tendency that moves or is directed towards the center.
Similar spelling words for CENTRIPETAL
- centrifugal,
- centrical,
- central time,
- centrifugate,
- central-fire,
- centre stage,
- centerline,
- Centre Bit,
- centroidal,
- central body,
- centerpiece,
- centralize,
- centralized,
- centrist,
- centrefold,
- sentimental,
- centriole,
- centriscidae,
- centralise,
- centrosema,
- centerfield,
- centerfielder,
- central bank,
- centrifuge,
- centralist,
- centipede,
- centrism,
- centrally,
- contritely,
- central park,
- centralised,
- central city,
- Central Thai,
- centrepiece.
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