Plain English Meaning

An engine compressor that spins air outward, like a fan flinging it to the edges, to squeeze it before it reaches the burners.

Full Definition

A type of turbine engine compressor design in which the incoming air is accelerated outward from the center of a spinning impeller, then collected and slowed in a diffuser to raise its pressure before it enters the combustion section.

Context Anchor

Seen in turbine engine discussions, especially when comparing centrifugal-flow compressors with other compressor designs.

Derivation

Centrifugal comes from the Latin centrum (center) and fugere (to flee) — literally 'fleeing the center.' That is exactly what the air does in this compressor: it is thrown outward from the center of the spinning impeller.

Why Pilots Care

Centrifugal compressors are rugged and simpler for light aircraft engines but limit performance at very speeds compared with axial designs.