buoyant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas
    floaty.
    • buoyant balloons
    • buoyant balsawood boats
    • a floaty scarf
  2. adjective satellite characterized by liveliness and lightheartedness
    perky; chirpy.
    • buoyant spirits
    • his quick wit and chirpy humor
    • looking bright and well and chirpy
    • a perky little widow in her 70s

WordNet

Buoy"ant adjective
Etymology
From Buoy, v. t. & i.
Definitions
  1. Having the quality of rising or floating in a fluid; tending to rise or float; as, iron is buoyant in mercury. "Buoyant on the flood." Pope.
  2. Bearing up, as a fluid; sustaining another body by being specifically heavier.
    The water under me was buoyant. Dryden.
  3. Light-hearted; vivacious; cheerful; as, a buoyant disposition; buoyant spirits. -- Buoy"ant*ly, adv.

Webster 1913