What is "centrifugal compressor"

Jet engine cutaway showing the centrifugal compressor and other parts

Centrifugal compressors, sometimes termed radial compressors, are a sub-class of dynamic axisymmetric work-absorbing turbomachinery.

The idealized compressive dynamic turbo-machine achieves a pressure rise by adding kinetic energy/ velocity to a continuous flow of fluid through the rotor or impeller. This kinetic energy is then converted to an increase in potential energy/static pressure by slowing the flow through a diffuser. The pressure rise in impeller is in most cases almost equal to the rise in the diffuser section.