float

An air-filled sac near the spinal column in many fishes that helps maintain buoyancy.

Something that floats on the surface of water.

The number of shares outstanding and available for trading by the public.

The time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment.

A hand tool with a flat face used for smoothing and finishing the surface of plaster or cement or stucco.

A drink with ice cream floating in it.

An elaborate display mounted on a platform carried by a truck (or pulled by a truck) in a procession or parade.

Make the surface of level or smooth.

“float the plaster”

Move lightly, as if suspended.

“The dancer floated across the stage”

Put into the water.

“float a ship”

Set afloat.

“He floated the logs down the river”

“The boy floated his toy boat on the pond”

Be in motion due to some air or water current.

Be afloat either on or below a liquid surface and not sink to the bottom.

Allow (currencies) to fluctuate.

“The government floated the ruble for a few months”

Circulate or discuss tentatively; test the waters with.

“The Republicans are floating the idea of a tax reform”

Convert from a fixed point notation to a floating point notation.

“float data”