axifugal
|æk-sɪ-fjuː-ɡəl|
/ˌæk.sɪˈfjuː.ɡəl/
moving away from an axis
Etymology
'axifugal' is formed from the Latin root 'axis' meaning 'axis' combined with the element derived from Latin 'fugere' meaning 'to flee' (via the adjectival/combinatory '-fugal').
'axifugal' is a modern/coined technical adjective (Neo-Latin/English formation) combining 'axis' + '-fugal' (from Latin 'fugere'/'fug-' through Neo-Latin usage) rather than evolving through a long medieval English form.
Initially constructed to mean 'fleeing from an axis' in a literal etymological sense; it has remained a technical term meaning 'directed away from an axis' in scientific usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
directed away from or situated away from an axis; moving toward the periphery rather than toward the axis (used in biology, anatomy, and related sciences).
In some plants, cell divisions occur in an axifugal pattern, producing tissues toward the periphery.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 16:58