flocculation

American  

[flahk-yuh-lay-shuhn] / flɑk jəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. Chemistry. the process of forming or being formed into flocculant masses, especially the aggregation of suspended clay particles as useful for improving the plasticity of the clay.

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flocculation Scientific  

/ flŏk′yə-lā′shən /

1. The process by which individual particles of clay aggregate into clotlike masses or precipitate into small lumps. Flocculation occurs as a result of a chemical reaction between the clay particles and another substance, usually salt water.

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Other Word Forms

• deflocculation
  noun
• reflocculation
  noun

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

flocculation

Earlier work by the same research group showed that moringa seeds are effective throughout a full treatment cycle, including flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 20, 2026

The sprayed clay technique, called flocculation, was most recently used by Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory in 2018 to combat saltwater red tide, which is also caused by a toxin-producing microorganism.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 19, 2020

At the Fort Peck water treatment plant, Missouri River water goes through a multi-step process including chemical treatment, coagulation, flocculation, maturation, sedimentation, clarification and disinfection.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 30, 2018

Conceivably, proteins involved in flocculation could be introduced and manipulated to respond to a particular growth state, as demonstrated in industrial strains of yeast.

From Nature ● Aug. 15, 2012

As it is the fine clay-particles that are the chief cause of the puddling of clay soils, their flocculation does much to destroy this objectionable property.

From Manures and the principles of manuring by Aikman, Charles Morton