flocculation
noun
- The reversible, non-sexual aggregation of single-celled organisms in suspension to form aggregates of many cells known as flocs.
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˌflɒkjʊˈlɛɪ̯ʃən/
noun
Etymology: Etymology tree English floccule Proto-Indo-European *-tis Proto-Indo-European *-Hō Proto-Indo-European *-tiHō Proto-Italic *-tiō Latin -tiō Latin -ātiōlbor. Old French -ationbor. Middle English -acioun English -ation English flocculation From floccule + -ation.
- A condition in which clays, polymers or other small charged particles become attached and form a fragile structure, a floc.
“Repeated use of this type of [water] on plants results in deflocculation[] of the soil. Good quality soil consists of loose aggregates which provide natural aeration and ease of root run. Sodium accumulation in soil destroys this natural flocculation and causes the soil to pack.”
“It might seem that Mr. Holl, whose initial sketches are glorious watercolors, was an unlikely candidate for a job that is all about hydrodynamics. But he credits much of his inspiration to repeated meetings with engineers -- as many as 30 at a time -- to discuss topics like "flocculation" (the process by which particles form coagulated masses, or flocs).”