flotation
noun
flo·ta·tion
flō-ˈtā-shən 
variants
or less commonly floatation
1
: the act, process, or state of floating
2
: an act or instance of financing (such 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
Examples of flotation in a Sentence
fills the tanks with air for flotation
the flotation of a currency
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers at Clausthal University of Technology highlighted that punicin, a natural compound and its derivatives, can dramatically improve lithium recovery when applied in flotation separation processes.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
But the fanciest party trick of them all is emergency flotation on water – in case your yacht ever failed on you.
—New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025
Shein is now reportedly working on a flotation in Hong Kong, which offers fewer hurdles involving a company’s risk disclosures and less pushback from Chinese regulators who provide the final greenlight for companies going public outside the mainland.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
These are inherently buoyant vests—most typically filled with foam—that provide flotation as soon as they’re worn.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flotation
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
But the fanciest party trick of them all is emergency flotation on water – in case your yacht ever failed on you.
—New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025
Shein is now reportedly working on a flotation in Hong Kong, which offers fewer hurdles involving a company’s risk disclosures and less pushback from Chinese regulators who provide the final greenlight for companies going public outside the mainland.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
These are inherently buoyant vests—most typically filled with foam—that provide flotation as soon as they’re worn.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flotation
Cite this Entry
“Flotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flotation. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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