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 floating2: 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 floating4: the ability (as of a tire or snowshoes) to stay on the surface of soft ground or snow