rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycentripetalToward the center
adjective

centripetal

sen-TRIP-ih-tul/senˈtrɪpɪtl/

Directed toward a center or axis of rotation.

The string provides the centripetal force keeping the ball circling.

A ball on a string moves around a center; one clear arrow points inward toward the hand.
Etymology
centriLatincenter
+petalLatinto make for, seek

The components picture something “seeking the center”: petere supplies the idea of heading toward a goal. Here that goal is a central point, giving the adjective its inward-directed meaning.

In context

Zor Shekhtman on UNIZOR Education29:45
so we will use this particular think so is a is a centripetal acceleration always towards the center
Magnetic Field - Problems 1: UNIZOR.COM - Physics4Teens - Electromagnetism

More examples

  • A centripetal acceleration points toward the circle's center.
  • The lesson explains the inward direction of centripetal force.
  • The turning car requires a centripetal force from the road.

Similar words

inward
Generally toward an interior rather than a rotational center.
centrifugal
Describes an outward tendency relative to a rotating system.