Definition of 'buoyancy'

Word Frequency

buoyancy

(bɔɪənsi )

1. uncountable noun

Buoyancy is the ability that something has to float on a liquid or in the air.

Air can be pumped into the diving suit to increase buoyancy.

Synonyms: floatability, lightness, weightlessness More Synonyms of buoyancy

2. uncountable noun

Buoyancy is a person's ability to remain cheerful, even in sad or unpleasant situations.

I'll have to take stock, go carefully and regain my buoyancy.

3. uncountable noun

Buoyancy is a feeling of cheerfulness.

...a mood of buoyancy and optimism.

Synonyms: cheerfulness, bounce [informal], pep, animation More Synonyms of buoyancy

4. uncountable noun

There is economic buoyancy when the economy is growing.

The likelihood is that the slump will be followed by a period of buoyancy.

Synonyms: expansion, development, strength, mushrooming More Synonyms of buoyancy

Word Frequency

buoyancy in British

(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

Word Frequency

buoyancy in American

(ˈbɔɪənsi ; boiˈənsē; also ˈbujənsi ; bo̅oˈyənsē)

noun

the ability or tendency to float or rise in liquid or air

the power to keep something afloat; upward pressure on a floating object

lightness or resilience of spirit

Word origin of 'buoyancy'

< buoyant

Example sentences containing 'buoyancy'

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Instead the pilots carry buoyancy aids and an emergency air bottle for ditching at sea. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Pools with a perfect mix of ozone and oxygen increase buoyancy and produce quicker race times. The Sun (2013)Industries that have passed their peak decline slowly and are being held up by the overall buoyancy of the economy. Peter F. Drucker MANAGEMENT: task, responsibilities, practices (1974)Swimming was tricky, but they were an effective buoyancy aid. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Surfing such huge waves requires knee braces, buoyancy aids and weights for the descent. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Participants should always wear a helmet, buoyancy aid and wetsuit. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Apart from helping the buoyancy of the boat, there is another advantage to moving from side to side with the crew. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Our youngest learned to walk, our middle son enjoyed his first pony ride and our eldest swam for the first time without any buoyancy aids. The Sun (2015)A buoyancy aid is safer. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Despite the apparent buoyancy of the economy, and its lightning scramble out of the global financial crisis, deep sensitivities remain. Times, Sunday Times (2009)