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.
Despite giving up scarcely any power, the Glazers banked around £70million from the flotation, 50 per cent of the proceeds. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 May 2025 The pilot engaged the aircraft’s emergency flotation system and landed on the river, near Manhattan’s Upper West Side, according to an NTSB report. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 How Manchester United's share price has fluctuated since their 2012 flotation Daily closing price, MANU ($) Line chart of Manchester United plc share price, where current price is near identical to $14 IPO price in August 2012, and there's little correlation to football results. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 12 May 2025 For a unique experience, the Williamsburg Salt Spa offers treatments including salt cave therapy and flotation therapy. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025 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 3 Jun. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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