adj.
Pronunciation: ə - ' fl ō t
Function: adjective or adverb
Etymology: Middle English aflot, from Old English on flot, from on + flot, from flot deep water, sea; akin to Old English fl ē otan to float ― more at FLEET
Date: before 12th century
1 a : borne on or as if on the water b : being at sea
2 : free of difficulties : SELF-SUFFICIENT <the inheritance kept them afloat for years>
3 a : circulating about <nasty stories were afloat > b : ADRIFT