levitation

[ lev-i-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or phenomenon of levitating.
2. the raising or rising of a body in air by supernatural means.

Other Words From

• levi·tation·al adjective
• levi·tative adjective
• self-levi·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of levitation¹

First recorded in 1660–70; levitate + -ion

Example Sentences

Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without electrical resistance -- making them the ideal base material for electronic components in MRI machines, magnetic levitation trains and even particle accelerators.

From Science Daily

Those that fall are lifted out of the way, as if by levitation, then lowered back into place after each frame.

From Los Angeles Times

Additionally, observes Scientific American, superconductors repel magnetic fields, which could lead to more efficient magnetic levitation, or maglev, trains.

From Los Angeles Times

Nods to occurrence in the first movie include levitations, spontaneously appearing gashes and copious vomiting.

From Seattle Times

Some of the most exciting and promising clean tech — like magnetic levitation trains and other low-cost, high-speed transportation — could finally be viable for mass development with superconductor use.

From Salon

Related Words

• altitude
• ascent
• mountain