buoyancy

[ boi-uh n-see, boo-yuh n-see ]
/ ˈbɔɪ ən si, ˈbu yən si /

noun

the power to float or rise in a fluid; relative lightness.
the power of supporting a body so that it floats; upward pressure exerted by the fluid in which a body is immersed.
lightness or resilience of spirit; cheerfulness.
Also buoy·ance.

Origin of buoyancy

First recorded in 1705–15; buoy(ant) + -ancy

OTHER WORDS FROM buoyancy

non·buoy·an·cy, noun

Example sentences from the Web for buoyancy

British Dictionary definitions for buoyancy

buoyancy
/ (ˈbɔɪənsɪ) /

noun

the ability to float in a liquid or to rise in a fluid
the property of a fluid to exert an upward force (upthrust) on a body that is wholly or partly submerged in it
the ability to recover quickly after setbacks; resilience
cheerfulness

Scientific definitions for buoyancy

buoyancy
[ boiən-sē ]

The upward force that a fluid exerts on an object that is less dense than itself. Buoyancy allows a boat to float on water and provides lift for balloons.

Cultural definitions for buoyancy

buoyancy

The force that causes objects to float. According to the principle of Archimedes, when a solid is placed in a fluid (a liquid or a gas), it is subject to an upward force equal in magnitude to the weight of the fluid it has displaced.