buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən(t)-sē 

ˈbü-yən(t)-

1

a

: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when submerged in a fluid

testing an object's buoyancy

b

chemistry : the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it

the buoyancy of water

also : the upward force exerted

2

: the ability to recover quickly from depression or discouragement : resilience

his buoyancy of spirit

3

: the property of maintaining a satisfactorily high level (as of prices or economic activity)

betting that the economy will maintain its buoyancy

Examples of buoyancy in a Sentence

the natural buoyancy of cork

The swimmer is supported by the water's buoyancy.

We hope that the economy will maintain its buoyancy.

Recent Examples on the Web

The buoyancy of the water takes the extra weight off your joints. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024

As buoyancy battles erosion of the massive peaks by wind, weather, and precipitation in the Himalayas, the mountains still experienced a net gain in elevation, partly due to the isostatic rebound suggested by this study. —Carly Miller, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

This typically gives the boat enough buoyancy to free itself from the trailer without hitting the prop on it. —Rob Reed, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

The buoyancy of the water helps to keep this workout low impact. —Korin Miller, Outside Online, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən-sē 

ˈbü-yən-

1

: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when in a fluid

the buoyancy of a cork in water

2

: the power of a fluid to put an upward force on a body placed in it

the buoyancy of seawater