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can buoy

American  

noun

  1. a cylindrical, unlighted buoy used as a channel marker.


can buoy British  

noun

  1. nautical a buoy with a flat-topped cylindrical shape above water, marking the left side of a channel leading into a harbour: red in British waters but green (occasionally black) in US waters Compare nun buoy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of can buoy

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

By buying Exact Sciences and its series of cancer tests that generate about $3 billion in annual revenue, Abbott can buoy its own diagnostics business.

From MarketWatch

Physical touch can buoy well-being and lessen pain, depression and anxiety, according to a large new analysis of published research released on Monday in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

From New York Times

Although no single moment in the debate seems likely to substantially alter the course of the race, debates can buoy or sink candidacies.

From Los Angeles Times

But his mother hopes that his love of learning can buoy him through this difficult period.

From New York Times

In addition, exciting plans, such as a wedding or a great summer trip, provide a reward to work toward, some future happiness to anticipate, which can buoy the planner for months.

From Washington Post