verb / noun
float
FLOHT/fləʊt/
To remain supported at the surface of a fluid.
The cork floats on the water with its upper surface exposed.
Etymology
Flotian described resting on water’s surface. The meaning broadened to passive drifting or hovering, extending the image of waterborne motion to movement through air.
In context
The cold glass makes water vapor in the air collect into liquid drops. When this happens in the air outside, the little droplets are so small that they can float through the air
More examples
- She learns to float on her back in the pool.
- Oil floats on water instead of mixing with it.
- The fishing float dips when a fish takes the bait.
Forms
float · floats · floated · floating
flotation noun — The state of being supported by liquid.
Similar words
- drift
- Drift emphasizes movement with currents rather than staying supported.
- bob
- Bob emphasizes repeated up-and-down movement at the surface.