float glass

noun

1. extremely smooth, nearly distortion-free plate glass manufactured by pouring molten glass onto a surface of molten tin.

float glass

noun

1. a type of flat polished transparent glass made by allowing the molten glass to harden as it floats on liquid of higher density

Word History and Origins

Origin of float glass¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Fuyao also has invested about $250 million in a float glass plant in Illinois that employs about 250 workers.

From Reuters

The agreement is the E.P.A.’s first settlement involving a manufacturer of so-called flat glass, also known as float glass, which is used in windows for office buildings and homes, as well as in automobile windshields.

From New York Times

This “float glass” is then cut into pieces, customized to order, and the panels are sent to contractors who fit them into metal frames to produce panels that meet the builder’s specifications.

From Wall Street Journal

Even so, Viracon told customers in July that prices would rise by as much as 12% due to shortages of float glass, a once-unusual price increase that is becoming commonplace, Mr. Hansen said.

From Wall Street Journal

And the Cowley Hill site where the world's first float glass production line was opened in 1961 is in the process of being closed down.

From BBC