flotation

[ floh-tey-shuhn ]

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.

flotation

/ 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 calledfroth 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flotation¹

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

Example Sentences

February saw a major raid where boats, engines, life vests and flotation devices for children were seized in Germany with 19 arrests - but these were made under Belgian and French judicial orders.

From BBC

The NCA said they did not meet UK or EU safety standards and would not have served as adequate flotation aids in deep water.

From BBC

With enough advertising dollars behind it, Pojar thinks renaming waterbeds “flotation sleep systems with temperature control” could bring in new customers.

From Los Angeles Times

Royal Mail director Les Owen had wanted to include a reference to the Horizon IT system in the prospectus for the flotation.

From BBC

Ms Vennells also conceded that Horizon fallout would have upset the Royal Mail stock market flotation.

From BBC

Related Words

• backing