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float

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To float is defined as to be suspended in water or liquid to stay near the surface, or to come into your mind, or to make a suggestion, or to fluctuate in value.

(verb)

A raft that doesn't sink but that instead stays at the top of a swimming pool is an example of something that floats.
When you lay on your back in the ocean and let the salt water hold you up on the surface of the water, this is an example of when you float.
When a song you like to listen to drifts into your head, this is an example of when the song floats into your head.
When you suggest to your boss that a new timecard system might be wise, this is an example of when you float the idea.
When your mortgage is tied to the LIBOR index instead of fixed, this is an example of a time when your rate floats.

The definition of a float is a small buoyant object, or a small object attached to a fishing line to show you when a fish bites.

(noun)

A raft that stays on the surface of the pool is an example of a float.
A little round object attached to your fishing pole that shows you when a fish has bitten is an example of a float.

See float in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

anything that stays, or causes something else to stay, on the surface of a liquid or suspended near the surface; specif.,
1. an air-filled bladder, as in a fish
2. a cork on a fishing line
3. a floating ball or device that regulates the valve controlling water level, as in a tank, or fuel supply, as in a carburetor
4. a raftlike platform anchored near a shore, as for use by swimmers
5. ☆ a life preserver
6. a buoyant device on an aircraft to enable it to land or remain on water
1. a low, flat, decorated vehicle for carrying exhibits, tableaux, etc. in a parade
2. this vehicle together with its exhibit, tableau, etc.
a flat tool for smoothing or spreading cement, plaster, etc.
a thread that is brought to the surface of a cloth in weaving, esp. to form a pattern
☆ a cold beverage with ice cream floating in it: root beer float
the act or an instance of floating
any of the various styles of floating executed by swimmers
the act of allowing a currency to float on the market
☆ Banking the total value of checks or drafts in transit and not yet collected

Origin: ME flote < OE flota, that which floats, ship, fleet < base of fleotan: see fleet

intransitive verb

to stay on the surface of a liquid or suspended near the surface
to drift or move slowly or easily on water, in air, etc.: leaves floating down from the trees
☆ to move or drift about vaguely and without purpose: idle thoughts floating through the mind
to fluctuate freely in relationship to other currencies, as determined by supply and demand: said of a currency

Origin: ME flotien < OE flotian

transitive verb

1. to cause to stay on the surface of a liquid or suspended near the surface
2. to bring to the surface and cause to stay there
Now Rare to cover (land) with water; flood
1. to put into circulation; place on the market: to float a bond issue
2. to establish or start (a business, etc.)
to arrange for (a loan)
to smooth or spread (cement, plaster, etc.)
to allow the exchange value of (a currency) to fluctuate freely in relationship to other currencies

Related Forms:

floatable adjective

See float in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb float·ed, float·ing, floats

verb, intransitive

a. To remain suspended within or on the surface of a fluid without sinking.
b. To be suspended in or move through space as if supported by a liquid.
To move from place to place, especially at random.
To move easily or lightly: “Miss Golightly . . . floated round in their arms light as a scarf” (Truman Capote).
Economics To find a level in relationship to other currencies solely in response to the law of supply and demand: allowed the dollar to float.

verb, transitive

To cause to remain suspended without sinking or falling.
a. To put into the water; launch: float a ship; float a navy.
b. To start or establish (a business enterprise, for example).
To flood (land), as for irrigation.
Economics To allow (the exchange value of a currency) to find freely its real level in relationship to other currencies.
To offer for consideration; suggest: floated my idea to the committee.
To release (a security) for sale.
To arrange for (a loan).
To make the surface of (plaster, for example) level or smooth.
Computer Science To convert (data) from fixed-point notation to floating-point notation.

noun

Something that floats, as:
a. A raft.
b. A buoy.
c. A life preserver.
d. A buoyant object, such as a cork, used to hold a net or fishing line afloat.
e. A landing platform attached to a wharf and floating on the water.
f. A floating ball attached to a lever to regulate the water level in a tank.
Biology An air-filled sac or structure that aids in the flotation of an aquatic organism. Also called air bladder, air vesicle.
A decorated exhibit or scene mounted on a mobile platform and pulled or driven in a parade.
A sum of money representing checks that are outstanding.
A tool for smoothing the surface of plaster or cement.
A soft drink with ice cream floating in it. See Regional Note at milk shake.