Definition
An air compressor used in some turbine engines that draws air in at the center of a rapidly spinning impeller and slings it outward by centrifugal force into a diffuser, where the high-velocity air is slowed and its pressure increased before entering the combustion section.
Plain English
A spinning disc with curved blades that flings air outward to squeeze it into a smaller space, raising its pressure before it reaches the part of the engine where fuel is burned.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine engine, turbocharger, and supercharger discussions, especially when describing how intake air is compressed before combustion or engine use.
Derivation
Centrifugal comes from the Latin centrum (center) and fugere (to flee) -- literally 'fleeing the center.' That captures exactly what the air does: it is thrown outward away from the spinning hub.
Why Pilots Care
It supplies the high-pressure air needed for efficient combustion and power production in turbine engines.
Analogy
Think of a spinning lawn sprinkler. Water enters at the center and is flung out the tips at high speed. A centrifugal compressor does the same thing with air, then slows that fast-moving air to convert its speed into pressure.
Grounding Statement
Air enters near the middle of the spinning wheel, is thrown outward, and leaves at a higher pressure.
Intuition Check
Do not think of it as simply a fan that moves air. A centrifugal compressor is built to raise air pressure, not just push air from one place to another.
Example Sentence 1
The PT6 turboprop uses a centrifugal compressor as its final compression stage.
Example Sentence 2
During engine inspection the mechanic checked the centrifugal compressor impeller for nicks that could reduce compression efficiency.