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}