float
Pronunciation: /fləʊt/
The English word “float” has 20 meanings listed here.
verb
- To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).
- To be supported by a liquid of greater density, such that part (of the object or substance) remains above the surface.
- To cause something to be suspended in a fluid of greater density.
- To be capable of floating.
- To move in a particular direction with the liquid in which one is floating.
- To drift or wander aimlessly.
- To drift gently through the air.
- To cause to drift gently through the air, to waft.
- To move in a fluid manner.
- To circulate.
- To remain airborne, without touching down, for an excessive length of time during landing, due to excessive airspeed during the landing flare.
- Of an idea or scheme, to be viable.
- To propose (an idea) for consideration.
- To automatically adjust a parameter as related parameters change.
- (of currencies) To have an exchange value determined by the markets, as opposed to by central fiat.
- To allow (the exchange value of a currency) to be determined by the markets.
- To be not connected or referenced to a known reference voltage.
- To extend a short-term loan to.
- To issue or sell shares in a company (or units in a trust) to members of the public, followed by listing on a stock exchange.
- To spread plaster over (a surface), using the tool called a float.
Etymology
From Middle English floten, from Old English flotian (“to float”), from Proto-West Germanic *flotōn, from Proto-Germanic *flutōną (“to float”), from Proto-Indo-European *plewd-, *plew- (“to float, swim, fly”). Compare flow, fleet.
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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.