adjective
- directed toward the center (opposed to centrifugal).
- operating by centripetal force.
- Physiology. afferent.
adjective
- acting, moving, or tending to move towards a centreCompare centrifugal
- of, concerned with, or operated by centripetal force
- botany (esp of certain inflorescences) developing from the outside towards the centre
- physiol another word for afferent
1709, from Modern Latin, coined 1687 by Sir Isaac Newton (who wrote in Latin), from Latin centri- alternative comb. form of centrum “center” (see center (n.)) + petere “to make for, go to; seek, strive after” (see petition (n.)). Centripetal force is Newton’s vim … centripetam.
adj.
- Moving or directed toward a center or axis.
- Transmitting nerve impulses toward the central nervous system; afferent.
- Moving or directed toward a center or axis, particularly one around which an object is spinning.
- Transmitting nerve impulses toward the brain or spinal cord; afferent.
- Developing or progressing inward toward a center or axis, as in the growth of plant structures. For example, in the disk of the inflorescence of a sunflower, the florets near the edge open first, and the ones in the center last. Compare centrifugal.