flocculation

floc·cu·late  (flky-lt)

v. floc·cu·lat·ed, floc·cu·lat·ing, floc·cu·lates

v.tr.

1. To cause (soil) to form lumps or masses.

2. To cause (clouds) to form fluffy masses.

v.intr.

To form lumpy or fluffy masses.

n.

Something that has formed lumpy or fluffy masses.

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floccu·lation n.

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flocculation  (flky-lshn)

The process by which individual particles of clay aggregate into clotlike masses or precipitate into small lumps. Flocculation occurs as a result of a chemical reaction between the clay particles and another substance, usually salt water.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

flocculation - the process of flocculating; forming woolly cloudlike aggregations natural action, natural process, action, activity - a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity"