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

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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

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

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 Charles Morton Aikman

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