flotation
floh-TAY-shun
/floʊˈteɪ.ʃən/
The action of floating in a liquid; objects designed to keep individuals floating in water.
Used routinely in public safety to describe life vests, rings, and buoyant suits.
The story behind the word. Derived from the verb 'float', coming from Old English 'flotian', meaning to stay atop liquid, modified by the noun suffix '-ation'.
Word relationships
- buoyancy: Buoyancy is the physical force or property of floating, whereas flotation refers to the act or equipment used.
- sinking: Descending beneath the water surface.
Commonly confused with
- buoyancy: Buoyancy is the science/property of floating; flotation is the physical apparatus or state.
Word family
- float (verb): To rest or move on the surface of liquid without sinking.
Collocations
- flotation device
- personal flotation
- flotation suit
Example sentences
- "Every passenger on the boat is required by maritime law to wear a personal flotation device." Water safety regulation
Memory hook
FLOAT-ation keeps you FLOATing. Equipment or ability that keeps you on top of water.
When not to use
Do not confuse spelling with 'floatation' (though accepted in British usage, 'flotation' is standard).
Fun facts
- Modern personal flotation devices (PFDs) use closed-cell foam or automatic CO2 inflation cylinders.
Related words
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