buoyancy
noun
buoy·an·cy
| \ ˈbȯi-ən(t)-sē
, ˈbü-yən(t)-\
, ˈbü-yən(t)-\
Definition of buoyancy
1a
: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when submerged in a fluid
testing an object's buoyancy
b
chemistry
: the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it
the buoyancy of water
also
: the upward force exerted
2
: the ability to recover quickly from depression or discouragement : resilience
his buoyancy of spirit
3
: the property of maintaining a satisfactorily high level (as of prices or economic activity)
betting that the economy will maintain its buoyancy
Examples of buoyancy in a Sentence
the natural buoyancy of cork
The swimmer is supported by the water's buoyancy.
We hope that the economy will maintain its buoyancy.
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Recent Examples on the Web
But for all their high-tech advances, Hunt said, the new airships would still get their buoyancy from hydrogen, a highly flammable gas that is 14 times lighter than air. — NBC News, "Zeppelins stopped flying after the Hindenburg disaster. Now scientists want to bring them back.," 19 Aug. 2019 There were parameters that had to be accommodated—how much PVC pipe could be used, for example, or how the SeaPerch would achieve buoyancy and account for turbidity, or where its controller could be attached. — Sue Halpern, The New Yorker, "A Summer Camp for the Next Generation of N.S.A. Agents," 15 Aug. 2019 In early missions the submarine wouldn’t dive, so WÃ¥hlin had to adjust its buoyancy. — Adam Rogers, WIRED, "A Submarine Goes Under a Failing Glacier to Gauge Rising Seas," 6 Aug. 2019 The lighter hook allows the worm more buoyancy, and the thinner wire is also easier to set. — Frank Sargeant, al, "Why Carolina rig fishing works in Alabama waters," 29 July 2019 At a certain velocity, the frictional forces such as drag and buoyancy equal the downward force of gravity and the object cannot go any faster. — Quanta Magazine, "Solution: ‘A Random Place at the Table’," 26 May 2016 Around the world, Dr. English said, empty barrels or even empty plastic water bottles have been used for buoyancy. — Cornelia Dean, New York Times, "‘We Cannot Save Everything’: A Historic Neighborhood Confronts Rising Seas," 8 July 2019 Movement performed in water—due to its buoyancy, density and resistance—can help restore strength, mobility, balance and coordination, without the pain often... — Laura Landro, WSJ, "The Health Benefits of Aquatic Therapy," 21 Apr. 2019 Their buoyancy means their mortality rate is low, but the position of some of the ants suggests that these soldiers, like the demodogs, may die protecting their queen. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, "The weird Upside Down science behind 'Stranger Things'," 4 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'buoyancy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for buoyancy
buoyancy
noun
English Language Learners Definition of buoyancy
: the ability of an object to float in water or air
: the power of a liquid to make someone or something float
: the ability of someone or something to continue to be happy, strong, etc., through difficult times
See the full definition for buoyancy in the English Language Learners Dictionary
buoyancy
noun
buoy·an·cy
| \ ˈbȯi-ən-sē
, ˈbü-yən-\
, ˈbü-yən-\
Kids Definition of buoyancy
1
: the power of rising and floating (as on water or in air)
Cork has buoyancy in water.
2
: the power of a liquid to hold up a floating body
Seawater has buoyancy.
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