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

His destination sweatbox combines a gym with longevity protocols (such as tracking health data on Oura devices; an in-house flotation tank) and includes on-staff PTs. —Mark Ellwood, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Sep. 2024

The spa provides flotation therapy in massive tanks filled with Epsom salt, an infrared sauna, and cold plunges. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 18 Sep. 2024

The flotation, albeit small, is a welcome boost to the ailing UK market, whose share has fallen to just about 2% of the $12.3 billion raised in IPOs in Europe this year, the lowest in decades, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Europe, 3 June 2024

Unlike a table massage or a motionless flotation tank experience, says Stackus, the water element of Watsu facilitates movement. —Flora Tsapovsky, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 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