Now rare or Obs. [ad. L. supernatātio, ōnem, n. of action f. supernatāre (see prec.).] The action of floating on the surface.
1623. Bp. Hall, Contempl., O. T., xix. Elisha raising Iron, To fetch up the Iron which was heavy, and naturally vncapable of supernatation.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 790, margin. Experiment Solitary touching the Super-Natation of Bodies.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., II. i. 52. They are differenced by supernatation or floating upon water, for Chrystall will sinke in water … but Ice will swim.
1668. Wilkins, Real Char., Dict. Supernatation, upon-swimming.
