buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən(t)-sē 

ˈbü-yən(t)-

1

a

: 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists later thought the substance aids in adjusting buoyancy during diving and resurfacing. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024

Even though there is a buoyancy force on humans, this is just too small compared to the weight. —Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2024

There’s a buoyancy to the film courtesy of Purevdash’s dialogue and, in particular, Johanni Curtet’s ever-pliant score, which swells and shrinks with striking beauty. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024

As waves rise and fall, the platform traps air underwater, creating enormous buoyancy force. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən-sē 

ˈbü-yən-

1

: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when in a fluid

the buoyancy of a cork in water

2

: the power of a fluid to put an upward force on a body placed in it

the buoyancy of seawater