flotation

noun

flo·​ta·​tion flō-ˈtā-shən 

variants or less commonly floatation

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

After the failure of the NASDAQ flotation, that valuation looks very optimistic. —Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024

Read the full review here: The Best Frontside Skis of 2025, Ranked Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis for $450 ($800) $450 at Evo A past winner of the best men’s frontside skis, the Nordica Enforcer 94 is a heavy hitter across flotation, crud performance, and balance of skills/versatility. —Lauren Levy, Outside Online, 18 Oct. 2024

The award-winning Auriga spa, itself located within a pint-sized townhouse, boasts a Himalayan salt room, indoor pool and flotation tanks for the ultimate pampering in a private setting. —Livia Hengel, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

According to Newsweek, the Navy has recommended changes to its trainings, as well as a review of flotation equipment policies and man-overboard procedures. —Brian Brant, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

float entry 2 + -ation

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flotation

• flotation device

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