centripetal Definition
- 1moving or directed towards a center or axis
- 2acting as a center of gravity or centrifugal force
Using centripetal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "centripetal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The centripetal force of the spinning top keeps it upright.
Example
The company's centripetal strategy focuses on consolidating its core business.
Example
The centripetal acceleration of the moon keeps it in orbit around the Earth.
centripetal Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for centripetal
Antonyms for centripetal
Phrases with centripetal
motion that is directed towards a center or axis
Example
The planets move in centripetal motion around the sun.
centripetal force
a force that acts on a body moving in a circular path and is directed towards the center around which the body is moving
Example
The centripetal force of the car keeps it on the road when turning.
the acceleration experienced by a body moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle
Example
The centripetal acceleration of the roller coaster keeps the riders in their seats during loops.
Origins of centripetal
from New Latin 'centripetus', from Latin 'centrum' (center) + 'petere' (to seek)
Summary: centripetal in Brief
The term 'centripetal' [senˈtrɪpɪtl] describes motion or force that is directed towards a center or axis. It can be used to describe physical phenomena like the centripetal force of a car turning, or more abstract concepts like a company's centripetal strategy. 'Centripetal' has synonyms like 'central' and 'homocentric,' and antonyms like 'centrifugal' and 'divergent.'
