floating

float-ing · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Resting or moving on the surface of a liquid.

  2. 2.

    Not fixed or settled; moving or changing.

  3. 3.

    (computing) Representing decimal numbers with a moving decimal point.

  4. 4.

    (as present participle) Currently resting on or moving through liquid or air.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    floating voter — a voter with no fixed party allegiance
  • •
    floating population — people who frequently move between places
  • •
    floating point — a way of representing decimal numbers in computing

Related words

Antonyms: anchored, fixed, sinking
See also: drifting, float, floats
Synonyms: buoyant, drifting, suspended

Etymology

From Old English flotian ("to float") + -ing (present participle suffix).