[flo.ta.tion] n [
[2]float] (1806) 1: the act, process, or state of floating
2: an act or instance of financing (as an issue of stock)
3: the separation of the particles of a mass of pulverized ore according to their relative capacity for floating on a given liquid; also: any of various similar processes involving the relative capacity of materials for floating
4: the ability (as of a tire or snowshoes) to stay on the surface of soft ground or snow