Definition

1. Noun:

   • A machine that uses centrifugal force to separate substances: A centrifuge is a device that spins rapidly to separate components of different densities within a mixture, typically liquids from solids or liquids from other liquids.

2. Verb:

   • To separate substances using a centrifuge: To centrifuge means to subject a mixture to rapid rotation in a machine in order to separate its components by centrifugal force.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The laboratory technician placed the blood samples in the centrifuge.
  • A centrifuge is essential for separating cream from milk in dairy processing.

• Verb:

  • You need to centrifuge the mixture for five minutes to isolate the precipitate.
  • The protocol requires centrifuging the solution at high speed.

Advanced Usage

• "To be centrifuged": Describes a substance that has undergone separation in a centrifuge.

  • The supernatant was removed after the sample was centrifuged.

• "Centrifugal force": The apparent outward force that acts on a mass moving in a circular path, which is the principle behind a centrifuge's operation.

  • The centrifuge works by generating strong centrifugal force.

Variants and Related Words

• Centrifugation (n): The process of using a centrifuge; the act of separating substances by centrifugal force.

  • The separation was achieved through centrifugation.

• Centrifugal (adj): Moving or directed outward from a center.

  • The centrifugal action of the spin cycle removes water from clothes.

Synonyms

• Separator: A general term for a device that separates components.
• Spinner: Informal term for a device that spins rapidly.

Related Phrases

• "Spin down": A phrasal verb often used in laboratory contexts with a similar meaning to centrifuge.

  • Spin down the tubes before analyzing the contents.

• "Pellet by centrifugation": A common phrase describing the solid material gathered at the bottom of a tube after centrifuging.

  • The cells formed a pellet by centrifugation.

Noun

1. an apparatus that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from a suspension

Verb

1. rotate at very high speed in order to separate the liquids from the solids