flotation

[ floh-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or state of floating.
2. the launching of a commercial venture, bond issue, loan, etc.
3. Metallurgy. a process for separating the different minerals in a mass of powdered ore based on their tendency to sink in, or float on, a given liquid.
4. the science of floating bodies.

flotation

/ fləʊˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the launching or financing of a commercial enterprise by bond or share issues
   2. the raising of a loan or new capital by bond or share issues
2. power or ability to float; buoyancy
3. Also calledfroth flotation a process to concentrate the valuable ore in low-grade ores. The ore is ground to a powder, mixed with water containing surface-active chemicals, and vigorously aerated. The bubbles formed trap the required ore fragments and carry them to the surface froth, which is then skimmed off

Word History and Origins

Origin of flotation¹

First recorded in 1800–10; float + -ation; compare French flottaison ( flotsam )

Example Sentences

When a ship capsizes, or a plane crashes into the sea, people are left with whatever flotation devices they have on hand.

From Popular-Science

The scientist behind this experiment was the extremely eccentric J C Lilly, inventor of the flotation tank and prophet of inter-species communication, who had also turned monkeys into wireheads.

From Singularity Hub 

The company didn’t disclose the size of the flotation, but Reuters has reported it is seeking to raise up to $2 billion.

From Quartz

The capital came ahead of the company’s expected IPO, so its then-new valuation helped provide a measuring stick for where its eventual flotation could price.

From TechCrunch

Because they’re so wide, flotation sizes typically only fit modified trucks.

From Outside Online

That side now has to be repaired and fitted with flotation devices that will eventually help the wreck float to the surface.

From The Daily Beast

But this mercury flotation, as applied to the Crossley telescope, is a delusion, as I think Mr. Crossley had already found.

From Project Gutenberg

The iron helm, jack-boots, and other accoutrements of a seventeenth century trooper were not calculated to assist flotation.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew very well what Osterman referred to by "Flotation of company," and also who was the "desirable party" he spoke of.

From Project Gutenberg

Leadville stocks are never on the exchange, and “flotation” and “promotion” have been almost unknown.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the reading of the scale at the line of flotation, added to the number on the weight, gives the reading required.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• backing