Dictionaries › English

float

Pronunciation: /fləʊt/

The English word “float” has 20 meanings listed here.

verb

  1. To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).
  2. To be supported by a liquid of greater density, such that part (of the object or substance) remains above the surface.
  3. To cause something to be suspended in a fluid of greater density.
  4. To be capable of floating.
  5. To move in a particular direction with the liquid in which one is floating.
  6. To drift or wander aimlessly.
  7. To drift gently through the air.
  8. To cause to drift gently through the air, to waft.
  9. To move in a fluid manner.
  10. To circulate.
  11. To remain airborne, without touching down, for an excessive length of time during landing, due to excessive airspeed during the landing flare.
  12. Of an idea or scheme, to be viable.
  13. To propose (an idea) for consideration.
  14. To automatically adjust a parameter as related parameters change.
  15. (of currencies) To have an exchange value determined by the markets, as opposed to by central fiat.
  16. To allow (the exchange value of a currency) to be determined by the markets.
  17. To be not connected or referenced to a known reference voltage.
  18. To extend a short-term loan to.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.

Keep exploring: in the interactive dictionary every word of a definition is a link. Open “float” there

More English words

About this dictionary

The English dictionary on Glottosphere has 650,529 entries with a page. Browse the English dictionary.

Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.