flotation

American  

[floh-tey-shuhn] / floʊˈteɪ ʃən /

Rarely floatation

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.

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flotation British  

/ 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 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

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Etymology

Origin of flotation

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

Example Sentences

Prosecutors said she embezzled more than $150,000 from clients between 2019 and 2021 to cover other business and personal expenses, including for her side business, a yoga studio with flotation chambers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another screen reminds us it is the 20th anniversary of the Nasdaq flotation of another tech company which went public here, now worth $3tn, Google.

From BBC

Four sleeping pods are due to be installed, while there will also be an area for red light therapy and also dry flotation tanks.

From BBC

Life jackets are optional for adults, but every boat must carry enough personal flotation devices for every passenger.

From Los Angeles Times

Tens of millions of pounds worth of drugs are being wrapped in flotation devices equipped with trackers, allowing gang members in Britain to see where they are, officials say.

From BBC

Related Words

• backing