verb (used with object), floc·cu·lat·ed, floc·cu·lat·ing.
- to form into flocculent masses.
verb (used without object), floc·cu·lat·ed, floc·cu·lat·ing.
- to form flocculent masses, as a cloud or a chemical precipitate; form aggregated or compound masses of particles.
verb
- to form or be formed into an aggregated flocculent mass
1885, from flocculate + -ion.
1877, from flocculus (1799, from Modern Latin diminutive of Latin floccus “flock of wool”) + -ate. Related: Flocculated; flocculating.
n.
- The process of becoming flocculent.
- Precipitation from solution in the form of fleecy masses.
- 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.