Main Entry: flo·ta·tion

Variant(s): also floa·ta·tion \flō-ˈtā-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: ²float

Date: 1806

1 : the act, process, or state of floating
2 : an act or instance of financing (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