flocculation

American  

[flahk-yuh-lay-shuhn] / flɑk yəˈleɪ 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

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

The proteins are also responsible for flocculation, the process by which yeast cells clump together in a beer and fall out of solution.

From Nature • Jul. 25, 2016

Algal strains can also be engineered such that the addition of a polymer or a change in an environmental variable triggers flocculation.

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