Webster's English Dictionary

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float

1. float \'flo-t\ \'flo-t-e-\ n [ME flote boat, float, fr. OE flota ship; 
   akin to OHG flo-zX raft, stream, OE fle-otan to float - more at FLEET 1: an 
   act or instance of floating  2: something that floats in or on the surface 
   of a fluid : as  2a: a cork or bob buoying up the baited end of a fishing 
   line  2b: a floating platform anchored near a shoreline for use by swimmers 
   or bo ats 2c: a hollow ball that floats at the end of a lever in a cistern, 
   tank, or  boiler and regulates the liquid level 2d: a sac containing air or 
   gas and buoying up the body of a plant or anima l : PNEUMATOPHORE 2e: a 
   watertight structure giving an airplane buoyancy on water  3: a tool or 
   apparatus for smoothing a surface  4: a government grant of fixed amount of 
   land not yet located by survey out  of a larger specific tract 5a: a 
   vehicle with a platform used to carry an exhibit in a parade  5b: the 
   vehicle and exhibit together  6: an amount of money represented by checks 
   outstanding and process of coll ection 7: a drink consisting of ice cream 
   floating in a beverage  - floaty aj
2. float vi 1: to rest on the surface of or be suspended in a fluid  2a: to 
   drift on or through or as if on or through a liquid  2b: WANDER  3: to lack 
   firmness of purpose : VACILLATE  1: to cause to float in or on the surface 
   of a liquid  2: to support (a structure) on a mat or raft foundation when 
   the ground gi ves poor support 3: FLOOD  4a: to gain support for  4b: to 
   place (securities) on the market  4c: to establish (an enterprise) by 
   floating securities  4d: NEGOTIATE {~ a loan}