# centripetal

> English word · Adjective · IPA /sɛnˈtɹɪp.ə.tl̩/ · frequency rank #73,954

## Definitions
1. Directed or moving towards a centre.
2. Of, relating to, or operated by centripetal force.
3. Directed towards the central nervous system; afferent.

## Etymology
From New Latin centripetālis coined by Sir Isaac Newton, from Latin centrum (“center”) + petō (“to seek, aim”) + -al. Analysable as centri- + -petal.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/centripetal