flotation

noun

flo·ta·tion | \ flō-ˈtā-shən

variants: or less commonly floatation

Definition of flotation

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

Weight: 25 lb MERCURY This suit took on water in one landing; later Mercury suits had survival gear with flotation devices. — National Geographic, "How flight suits have evolved to keep astronauts safe in space," 17 June 2019 From an inflatable avocado whose pit doubles as a beach ball to a fire-breathing dragon float that Game of Thrones fans will appreciate, the possibilities of what can be turned into a flotation device are endless. — Christina Butan, PEOPLE.com, "You Can Get a Hunky Pool Float To Keep You Company This Summer for Just $19," 5 June 2019 The website also claims these homes are earthquake resistant, and that parts of the house can act like flotation devices in an emergency. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "The Homes in This Village Are Made Using Old Plastic Bottles," 28 May 2019 But the weakening of the Egyptian pound following its flotation, plus deep cuts in energy subsidies, propelled inflation to more than 30 percent, deepening hardship in the already impoverished nation. — Bloomberg.com, "Egypt Sets Presidential Vote for March as Top El-Sisi Rival Backs Out," 8 Jan. 2018 And don’t miss the new flotation tank at The Lodge at Vail’s RockResorts Spa—the coolest (and quietest) way to recover from slope fatigue. — Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, "If You're Skiing the Rockies This Winter, Read This First," 4 Dec. 2018 Nonetheless, the bank’s share price has hit historic lows, and is now trading significantly below its flotation price. — Philip Georgiadis, WSJ, "Metro, Challenger to U.K.’s Banking Establishment, Drops One-Third in Value," 23 Jan. 2019 Get our daily newsletter Your immediate nightmare is the flotation process, which is a cross between an election campaign, a show trial and an Ironman event. — The Economist, "Life as you know it is IPOver," 12 July 2018 The boy was out in the water on a flotation board when he got caught in the strong waves around 10:56 a.m., Truro Police Chief Jamie Calise said. — Elise Takahama, BostonGlobe.com, "Lifeguards rescue 10-year-old boy and mother trapped in rip current at beach in Truro," 26 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flotation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.