flotation

noun

flo·​ta·​tion flō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce flotation (audio)
variants or less commonly
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
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.
To counteract Bubble Butt's wayward flotation, the Florida facility's staff affixed 2 1/2 pounds of lead to his shell (a negligible addition for a reptile weighing more than 100 pounds). Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024 The number of firms seeking public flotations in Hong Kong started picking up in the second half of this year, as the Chinese securities regulator in April pledged to support the Hong Kong market and facilitate more IPOs from leading mainland companies. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024 The first funding for the project, $5.5 million in regional flotation money, was secured in 2022, according to Freeman. Noah Mitchell, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2024 Then, in the relatively environmentally friendly process used at Mountain Pass, called froth flotation, a kind of chemical reagent called a surfactant is added to the slurry. IEEE Spectrum, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for flotation

Word History

Etymology

float entry 2 + -ation

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flotation was in 1806

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flotation. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

flotation

noun
flo·​ta·​tion
variants also floatation
flō-ˈtā-shən
1
: the act, process, or state of floating
2
: the separation of the particles of a mass of ground ore according to how they compare in ability to float on a liquid

More from Merriam-Webster on flotation

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