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tending to move outward from a central point
- The centrifugal force pushed the spinning top away from its center of rotation.
- When making pottery on the wheel, the centrifugal motion shapes the clay into a symmetrical form.
- The centrifugal pump draws water from the center and expels it outward to irrigate the fields.
- The washing machine's centrifugal spin cycle removes excess water from the clothes by pushing it outward.
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2
promoting the scattering of power or influence
- The reforms introduced a centrifugal shift in power from the capital to regional governments.
- Centrifugal forces threatened to fragment the coalition.
- The organization's centrifugal structure allowed local branches more autonomy.
- Cultural diversity can act as a centrifugal force in national identity.
- Federalism is often seen as a centrifugal model of governance.
3
transmitting nerve impulses from the central nervous system to muscles or glands
- Centrifugal nerves carry impulses from the brain to initiate movement.
- The spinal cord transmits centrifugal signals to the limbs.
- Damage to centrifugal pathways can impair voluntary motion.
- Centrifugal fibers activate muscle contraction in response to stimuli.
- The reflex arc includes both centripetal and centrifugal components.
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