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Flotation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flotation

[fləʊˈteɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in science

The action of floating in a fluid or gas.

Synonyms

buoyancy, levitation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flotation

Used when referring to the act or process of staying afloat on a liquid, generally water, or the process of launching a company on the stock market.

  • The flotation of the new company on the stock exchanges was successful.
  • The life jacket improves the swimmer's flotation in water.
buoyancy

Refers to the property or tendency of an object to float on a liquid or rise in a fluid, also can describe a state of being optimistic or cheerful.

  • The buoyancy of the rubber duck allows it to float on water.
  • Despite the difficulties, she maintained a sense of buoyancy and hope.
levitation

Describes the act of rising or causing something to rise into the air and float, typically by means that seem magical or beyond normal physical laws.

  • The magician amazed everyone with a trick involving human levitation.
  • In the story, the monk achieved levitation through intense meditation.

Examples of usage

  • The flotation of an object in water.
  • Oil flotation is used in mineral processing.
Context #2 | Noun

in finance

The process of offering a company's shares for sale to the public for the first time.

Synonyms

IPO, stock market debut.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flotation

Used in British English to describe the process of a company selling its shares to the public for the first time.

  • The company's flotation was highly successful, raising millions in capital.
  • There is a lot of buzz around the upcoming flotation of several tech startups.

Examples of usage

  • The company's flotation on the stock market was a success.
  • The initial public offering (IPO) was a significant flotation event.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The principle of buoyancy, which governs flotation, was discovered by Archimedes over 2,000 years ago.
  • The density of an object compared to the liquid it is in determines whether it will float or sink.
  • Flotation is not only a physical phenomenon; it can be used as a tool in water purification processes.

Engineering

  • Flotation methods are crucial in the mining industry to separate valuable minerals from ore.
  • The design of boats and ships heavily relies on flotation principles to ensure they remain afloat during voyages.
  • Advanced flotation technology is now used in wastewater treatment to remove contaminants efficiently.

Physics

  • The concept of flotation relates to the upward buoyant force that a fluid exerts on an object submerged in it.
  • This force must counterbalance the weight of the object for it to float, showcasing the balance of forces in action.
  • Flotation can be observed in everyday life, like how a rubber duck floats while a rock sinks.

History

  • Historical records show that ancient Egyptians used flotation devices made of papyrus to navigate the Nile.
  • The development of flotation techniques influenced shipbuilding and commerce, significantly impacting trade routes.
  • Innovations in flotation processes have shaped modern environmental and geological research, aiding in resource extraction.

Origin of 'flotation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flotation' comes from the Latin word 'flotare', which means 'to float'.
  • It has been used in the English language since the early 19th century, primarily in engineering and science contexts.
  • Flotation refers not just to objects on water, but also to processes in industries such as mining.

The word 'flotation' originated from the Latin word 'flotare', meaning 'to float'. The concept of flotation has been used throughout history, from ancient times when boats were made to float on water to modern financial markets where companies offer shares to the public. The term has evolved to encompass both physical floating in fluids and the financial process of going public.

See also: float, floatability, floating.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,208, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.