The word "spinifugal" refers to something that is repelled or moving away from a spine. It is pronounced /spɪˈnɪfjuːɡəl/ and the spelling can be broken down into three parts: "spini," which comes from the Latin word spina (meaning "thorn" or "spine"), "fug," which comes from the Latin word fugere (meaning "to flee" or "to repel"), and the suffix "-al," which means "related to" or "characterized by." Therefore, "spinifugal" literally means "characterized by repulsion from a spine."
Spinifugal is an adjective that refers to the act of moving away from or diverging from a central point of rotation or spinning. It specifically describes something or someone that is moving outward or being expelled from this central point. The term is derived from the combination of the prefix "spini-" which refers to spinning or rotation, and the suffix "-fugal" which means to flee or to move away from.
In a literal sense, spinifugal can be used to describe the motion of particles or objects that are flung away or scattered from a rotating body due to centrifugal force. This force pushes objects away from the center of rotation, causing them to disperse or be propelled outward.
Metaphorically, spinifugal can also be utilized to describe situations or phenomena in which ideas, actions, or entities diverge or move away from a central or common belief, principle, or practice. For example, spinifugal tendencies might be observed in a group or organization where members gradually start to pursue their own interests or goals, drifting away from the original shared objectives.
In summary, spinifugal pertains to movement away from a central point of rotation or the tendency for things to diverge or disperse from a common center. It is a term that can be used both in a literal and metaphorical context to describe the act of moving or being propelled away from a central axis or point.
Passing in a direction away from the spinal cord, noting the efferent fibers of the spinal nerves.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.