floated

Floated is the past tense and past participle of the verb float. The term covers a range of meanings built on the idea of remaining suspended at or moving along a surface or through a medium, typically without sinking.

In physical and everyday contexts, something that has floated is buoyant or carried by a surrounding fluid. Buoyancy arises when an object's average density is less than that of the fluid, or where surface tension and other forces help support it. Objects such as wooden planks, life jackets, and bubbles can float on water, while hot air balloons float in air due to reduced density inside the balloon.

In engineering and household systems, floats are used to regulate liquids. A float valve uses a buoyant float connected to a valve to maintain a chosen liquid level; as the level rises, the float moves and alters the valve. A float switch uses a buoyant element to trigger an electrical circuit when liquid level changes, providing automated control or safety.

In finance and economics, float has specialized meanings. To float a company means to issue shares publicly, typically via an initial public offering, allowing the market to determine price and ownership. A currency is said to be floated when its exchange rate is determined by market forces rather than fixed by a government. The term can also apply to floating a bond or loan issue into the market.

In policy and public communications, to float an idea means to propose it for consideration or test public reaction, often described as a trial balloon.