: a flocculent mass

Examples of floc in a Sentence

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.
Once introduced, the clay dust accelerates carbon sinking by helping to form flocs that are heavier and sink faster. Scott Travers, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Combined with the natural sinking of uneaten flocs, this process has the potential to lock away substantial amounts of carbon at greater depths. Scott Travers, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 That dust grabs the organic carbon the phytoplankton released, forming sticky balls called flocs. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024 Orange bacterial floc and white flecks of sediment whirled around the sub like a blizzard. Susan Casey, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2023 In a new set of experiments, Ratcliff’s team is pitting snowflake yeast against floc yeast in a head-to-head battle. Quanta Magazine, 3 Nov. 2015

Word History

Etymology

short for floccule

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of floc was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near floc

Cite this Entry

“Floc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floc. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

floc

1 of 2 noun
: a flocculent mass formed by the aggregation of a number of fine suspended particles

floc

2 of 2 verb
flocced ˈfläkt How to pronounce floc (audio) ; floccing ˈfläk-iŋ How to pronounce floc (audio)

intransitive verb

: to aggregate into flocs

transitive verb

: to cause to floc

More from Merriam-Webster on floc

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!