flotation
Americannoun
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an act or state of floating.
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the launching of a commercial venture, bond issue, loan, etc.
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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.
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the science of floating bodies.
noun
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the launching or financing of a commercial enterprise by bond or share issues
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the raising of a loan or new capital by bond or share issues
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power or ability to float; buoyancy
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Also called: froth 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
Etymology
Origin of flotation
First recorded in 1800–10; float + -ation; compare French flottaison ( see flotsam)
Explanation
When something is buoyant, carried on the surface of water, that's flotation. If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, you definitely need at least one unicorn-shaped flotation device. The ability to float is flotation, which can also be spelled floatation. A flotation device can be a safety feature on a boat, like the floating foam rings that can be used in case of emergency or the life jackets sailors wear. It can also be for fun, like an inflatable raft you use for floating around a pond. The Old English root of flotation is flotian, "to rest on the surface of water."
Vocabulary lists containing flotation
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is planned to be a traditional open-pit shovel and truck operation with a conventional flotation concentrator producing copper concentrate and molybdenum concentrate.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
In its news release, the sheriff’s office extended condolences to White’s family and reminded the public to wear flotation devices while boating.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026
AFP reporters saw hundreds of people -- men, women and children -- entering Ceuta, discarding flotation rings and clothes used in their crossing.
From Barron's ● Jul. 31, 2026
The successful flotation raised about $8.5 billion for the 7% of shares that were offered although the over-allotment of shares, allows underwriters to increase that to around $10 billion.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
It would play a double role: it would provide extra flotation to compensate for the vertical weight of the mast, and it would make for a slightly raised seat for me.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
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