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 During this phase several changes were made to the circuit; particularly to resonance time, flotation columns slurry pumps, angles of cleat conveyors, stir media and polishing mill charge capacities and tails management. Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024 Biagi recommends flotation gear like a float jacket and going with someone who’s experienced first before venturing out alone. Cinnamon Janzer, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Feb. 2024 The crushing circuit, the rod mill and most of the flotation circuit have already been commissioned for commercial readiness. Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024 According to Reuters, the Nasdaq flotation is set to take place in September. Bydavid Meyer, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2023 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

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 23 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!