centrifugation

cen·tri·fuge  (sntr-fyj)

n.

1. An apparatus consisting essentially of a compartment spun about a central axis to separate contained materials of different specific gravities, or to separate colloidal particles suspended in a liquid.

2. An apparatus in which humans or animals are enclosed and which is revolved to simulate the effects of acceleration in a spacecraft.

tr.v. cen·tri·fuged, cen·tri·fug·ing, cen·tri·fug·es

To rotate (something) in a centrifuge or to separate, dehydrate, or test by means of this apparatus.

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[French, centrifugal, from New Latin centrifugus; see centrifugal.]

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cen·trifu·gation (sn-trfy-gshn, -trf-) n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

centrifugation - the process of separating substances of different densities by the use of a centrifuge natural action, natural process, action, activity - a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity" ultracentrifugation - centrifugation at very high speeds