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.
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 While that swallowtail languished in my board bag, the wide, early-rise nose of the Transition Finder provided unbelievable buoyancy on hip-deep tree runs, mini-truck-sized pillow poppers, and sidecountry sojourns. Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024 The buoyancy of the water takes the extra weight off your joints. Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 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 22 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!