spun down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spun down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being gradually reduced or stopped, often in relation to machinery or processes. Example: "After the experiment, the centrifuge was spun down to separate the components of the mixture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drops on the cover were shortly spun down.

Nature

Cells were spun down at 300g for 5 min.

EJNMMI Research

APMS particles were then spun down to remove unloaded docetaxel still in solution, washed in water, spun down again and resuspended in 5 mL of fresh media.

Cancer Nanotechnology

Thereafter, cells were spun down and total cell count was determined.

EJNMMI Research

Such clusters are small since they cannot be spun down with a high-speed centrifuge.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Finally, cells were spun down and then resuspended in PBS.

Plosone

Cells were spun down and used for flow cytometry.

Plosone

Cell wall fragments were spun down by ultra-centrifugation.

Plosone

Cells were spun down at 500 rpm for 5 minutes.

Plosone

Cells were spun down at 1500xg for five minutes.

Plosone

The cells were spun down for 2 minutes.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a laboratory procedure, use "spun down" to clearly indicate that a sample was centrifuged to separate its components. Ensure you provide context regarding the speed and duration of centrifugation for accurate replication of the procedure.

Common error

Avoid using "spun down" metaphorically to describe general slowing or stopping of processes unrelated to physical centrifugation. Instead, opt for more appropriate terms like "halted", "slowed", or "terminated" to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spun down" is as a phrasal verb. It's used to describe the action of separating components of a liquid by using a centrifuge. Ludwig AI identifies many examples of its usage in scientific literature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "spun down" is grammatically correct and very common, particularly within scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it accurately describes the act of using a centrifuge to separate components of a liquid. While its usage is highly specialized, understanding its precise meaning is crucial for accurate scientific communication. When writing, reserve "spun down" for situations involving centrifugation to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

centrifuged

Focuses specifically on the action performed by a centrifuge, emphasizing the separation of components through spinning.

brought to a halt

Emphasizes the complete cessation of motion or activity, applicable to processes beyond just physical spinning.

halted

A more concise term that describes an action is brought to a stop.

decelerated

Highlights the slowing down process, useful when the rate of deceleration is relevant.

slowed

Focuses on a gradual reduction in speed.

settled

Suggests allowing particles to sink to the bottom of a liquid, emphasizing the separation aspect.

sedimented

Similar to 'settled' but more formal and scientifically precise.

terminated

Suggests bringing a process to an end.

discontinued

Focuses on ending an action.

powered down

Specifically refers to shutting off a machine or device, which often involves spinning components.

FAQs

What does "spun down" mean in a scientific context?

In scientific settings, "spun down" refers to the process of using a centrifuge to separate components of a liquid sample by spinning it at high speed, causing denser elements to settle at the bottom.

When is it appropriate to use "spun down" in my writing?

Use "spun down" when you specifically want to describe the act of centrifuging a sample to separate its components. In other contexts, consider alternatives like "brought to a halt" or "halted" if you are referring to a more general stop.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the phrase "spun down"?

Avoid using "spun down" metaphorically for processes that do not involve actual centrifugation. This can confuse readers. Always use it in the context of physical separation using centrifugal force.

Are there any synonyms for "spun down" that I can use to add variety to my writing?

While "spun down" is specific to centrifugation, depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "centrifuged" to describe the process itself. For broader meanings of stopping or slowing, consider "decelerated" or "slowed".