flotation

 
Pronunciation: /fləʊˈteɪʃ(ə)n/
(also floatation)

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the action of floating in a liquid or gas: the body form is modified to assist in flotation
  • the separation of small particles of a solid by their different capacities to float.
  • the capacity to float; buoyancy.
  • 2the process of offering a company’s shares for sale on the stock market for the first time.

Origin:

early 19th century: alteration of floatation (from float) on the pattern of French flottaison. The spelling flot- was influenced by flotilla

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Remember that flotation begins with flot-.