A centrifuge is a laboratory device that is used to separate particles or components of a fluid by spinning it at a high speed. It works on the principle of centrifugal force, which causes denser particles to move outward and separate from lighter particles. Centrifuges are commonly used in various scientific and medical applications, such as separating blood components, isolating proteins, and purifying DNA. They come in different sizes and speeds depending on the specific application they are designed for.