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Webster 1913 Edition


Centripetal

Cen-trip′e-tal

,
Adj.
[L.
centrum
center +
petere
to move toward.]
1.
Tending, or causing, to approach the center.
2.
(Bot.)
(a)
Expanding first at the base of the inflorescence, and proceeding in order towards the summit.
(b)
Having the radicle turned toward the axis of the fruit, as some embryos.
3.
Progressing by changes from the exterior of a thing toward its center;
as, the
centripetal
calcification of a bone
.
R. Owen.
Centripetal force
(Mech.)
,
a force whose direction is towards a center, as in case of a planet revolving round the sun, the center of the system, See
Centrifugal force
, under
Centrifugal
.
Centripetal impression
(Physiol.)
,
an impression (sensory) transmitted by an afferent nerve from the exterior of the body inwards, to the central organ.

Webster 1828 Edition


Centripetal

CENTRIPETAL

,
Adj.
Tending towards the center. Centripetal force is that force which draws or impels a body towards some point as a center; as in case of a planet revolving round the sun, the center of the system. [Note: The common accentuation of centrifugal and centripetal is artificial and harsh. The accent on the first and third syllables, as in circumpolar, would be natural and easy.]

Definition 2024


centripetal

centripetal

English

Adjective

centripetal (not comparable)

  1. directed or moving towards a centre
  2. of, relating to, or operated by centripetal force
  3. (neuroanatomy, of a nerve impulse) directed towards the central nervous system; afferent

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Translations