schleudern

Schleudern is a German verb meaning to fling or throw with a quick, sweeping motion, and also to spin or whirl. It can denote the physical act of throwing something, as well as the action of causing an object to rotate rapidly. In technical contexts, schleudern describes rapid rotation that creates outward forces, as in centrifugation or other rotational separation processes.

In everyday language, the term is used for both motion and dynamics. For example, a car can schleudern on a wet road when it loses traction and slides sideways. In household usage, schleudern refers to the spin cycle of a washing machine or dryer, where the drum turns at high speed to extract water from clothes.

In science and engineering, schleudern denotes processes involving high rotational speeds to separate materials or to apply centrifugal forces. It is also used in historical or mechanical contexts to describe devices that throw or sling objects, such as a Schleuder (slingshot).

Etymology: The verb derives from Germanic roots related to throwing; the related noun Schleuder denotes a sling or throwing device.