noun / verb
centrifuge
SEN-trih-fyooj/ˈsentrɪfjuːdʒ/
A machine that separates substances by rapid spinning, or using such a machine.
The closed centrifuge holds balanced sample tubes arranged around its central rotor.
Etymology
The “center-fleeing” image first described outward motion, then named a machine using that effect for separation. The noun originally referred to a machine for separating cream from milk.
In context
tubes of blood are loaded into a centrifuge in pairs samples are loaded in opposite positions to help balance the centrifuge the spinning forces the heavier components such as red blood cells to separate
More examples
- They centrifuge the mixture to separate its components.
- The rapidly spinning centrifuge produces distinct layers.
- The sample has already been centrifuged.
Forms
centrifuge · centrifuges · centrifuged · centrifuging
Similar words
- separator
- A broader machine category that need not use rapid spinning.
- filter
- Separates materials by passage through a barrier rather than spinning.