flotation

noun

flo·​ta·​tion flō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce flotation (audio)
variants or less commonly floatation
1
: the act, process, or state of floating
2
: an act or instance of financing (such as an issue of stock)
3
: the separation of the particles of a mass of pulverized ore according to their relative capacity for floating on a given liquid
also : any of various similar processes involving the relative capacity of materials for floating
4
: the ability (as of a tire or snowshoes) to stay on the surface of soft ground or snow

Examples of flotation in a Sentence

fills the tanks with air for flotation the flotation of a currency
Recent Examples on the Web This innovative backrest adapts to your body, offering a sensation akin to flotation therapy. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023 Heavy clothes can trap air, which can help provide warmth and flotation. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 The Gaia flotation foam molds to the paddler’s body. Ben Romans, Field & Stream, 21 Sep. 2023 Once finalized, nine flotation rings will be installed at south Tempe staple Kiwanis Park Lake. Ellie Willard, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2023 The 25,000-square-foot spa features a water pavilion with a steam room, sauna, and two pools, while the flotation pavilion offers its own relaxation area. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2023 Metrics to look out for The two headline flotations of 2023 have certainly got off to a buzzy start. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2023 The solids left behind are removed from the slurry, and the water is recycled back to the flotation process. Andrew Zaleski, Popular Mechanics, 22 Aug. 2023 Those models get posted on the shaper’s website with charts showing stock dimensions in four metrics: length, width, thickness, and, crucially, volume measured in liters, which has a big effect on flotation, speed, and control. Bydaniel Duane, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flotation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

float entry 2 + -ation

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flotation was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near flotation

Cite this Entry

“Flotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flotation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flotation

noun
flo·​ta·​tion
variants also floatation
flō-ˈtā-shən
1
: the act, process, or state of floating
2
: the separation of the particles of a mass of ground ore according to how they compare in ability to float on a liquid

More from Merriam-Webster on flotation

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