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

Instead, brokers want to see cuts, signalling a return to buoyancy in the economy across metrics like jobs, consumer spending, and cheaper borrowing. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2024

Rambutan seed extract is another MVP, upping the hydration to promote hair buoyancy. —Maria Conti, Southern Living, 26 July 2024

Before, there had been this buoyancy, this kind of lightness. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024

Rumors of the death of U.S. economic buoyancy have been greatly exaggerated. —Axios, 16 July 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