Definition of: centripetal

(sen·trip′ə·təl) adjective
1. Directed, tending, or drawing toward a center: centripetal force.
2. Acting by drawing toward a center: a centripetal pump.
3. Bot. a Developing from without toward the center or in the direction of the apex. b Turned toward the axis of the fruit, as a radicle.
4. Physiol. Conducting toward the central nervous system; afferent. [<NL centripetus <centrum center + petere seek]