Centripetal — Cen*trip e*tal, a. [L. centrum center + petere to move toward.] 1. Tending, or causing, to approach the center. [1913 Webster] 2. (Bot.) (a) Expanding first at the base of the inflorescence, and proceeding in order towards the summit. (b) Having… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
centripetal — (adj.) 1709, from Modern Latin, coined 1687 by Sir Isaac Newton, from L. centri alternative comb. form of centrum center (see CENTER (Cf. center)) + petere to fall upon, rush out, move forward (see PETITION (Cf. petition)). Centripetal force. is… … Etymology dictionary
centripetal — [sen trip′ət l] adj. [ModL centripetus (coined by NEWTON2 Sir Isaac < CENTRI + L petere, to fall, rush at: see FEATHER + AL] 1. moving or tending to move toward a center 2. using or acted on by centripetal force … English World dictionary
Centripĕtal — (v. lat.), was sich nach dem Mittelpunkte zuwendet; so Centripetus (Bot.), dem Mittelpunkte od. der Achse zugewendet; Centripeta radicula, Gegensatz von Centrifuga radicula (s.d.), wenn das Keimwurzelchen gegen die Fruchtachse hin gerichtet ist;… … Pierer's Universal-Lexikon
centripetal — ► ADJECTIVE Physics ▪ moving towards a centre. DERIVATIVES centripetally adverb. ORIGIN from Latin centrum centre + petus seeking … English terms dictionary
centripetal — centrifugal, centripetal are stressed on the third and second syllables respectively. Their meanings are complementary: centrifugal relates to movement away from a centre and centripetal to movement towards a centre. Centrifugal occurs more often … Modern English usage
centripetal — centripetalism, n. centripetally, adv. /sen trip i tl/, adj. 1. directed toward the center (opposed to centrifugal). 2. operating by centripetal force. 3. Physiol. afferent. [1700 10; < NL centripet(us) center seeking (centri CENTRI + petus,… … Universalium
centripetal — adjective a) directed or moving towards a centre b) of, relating to, or operated by centripetal force Ant: centrifugal … Wiktionary
centripetal — adj. Centripetal is used with these nouns: ↑force … Collocations dictionary
centripetal — cen·trip·e·tal || sen trɪpɪtl adj. proceeding toward a center; using centripetal force … English contemporary dictionary
