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

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

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

This flocculation or aggregation of the fine clay-particles, when mixed with water by lime, is strikingly demonstrated by adding to some muddy water a little lime-water.

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