buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce buoyancy (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Larger body sizes translates to several advantages for these predators, such as increased buoyancy, energy storage, and the ability to undertake long migrations. Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 There’s this untethered buoyancy in the Democratic Party that almost feels hysterical — this idea that the party could hold some nicey-nice pseudo-primary beauty pageant and some shiny winner would emerge as its savior. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024 Or she could be saved by the relative buoyancy of the Biden-era U.S. economy — the envy of the world. Dave Lawler, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024 Upon resurfacing, it was discovered the platform malfunction was caused by an issue with the variable ballast tank, which controlled the submersible’s buoyancy. Ray Sanchez and Graham Hurley, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for buoyancy 

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of buoyancy was in 1713

Dictionary Entries Near buoyancy

Cite this Entry

“Buoyancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buoyancy. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

buoyancy

noun
buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən-sē How to pronounce buoyancy (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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