centripetal
|cen-tri-pet-al|
C1
/sɛnˈtrɪpɪtəl/
moving toward a center
Etymology
Etymology Information
'centripetal' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'centripetus,' where 'centrum' meant 'center' and 'petere' meant 'to seek.'
Historical Evolution
'centripetus' transformed into the English word 'centripetal' in the 17th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'seeking the center,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
moving or directed toward a center or axis.
The centripetal force keeps the satellite in orbit.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/20 00:23