floater

• Nom avec plusieurs sens, notamment une petite tache qui flotte dans le champ de vision, un instrument financier à taux variable, une personne sans logement ni emploi fixes, ou un objet qui flotte.

A noun with multiple meanings, including a small spot drifting in one's field of vision, a variable-rate financial instrument, a person without a fixed home or job, or an object that floats.

1. Visual disturbanceB2formalmedical

   Small specks or spots that drift across a person's field of vision, caused by tiny clumps of cells or protein inside the eye.

   Corps flottant

   • I noticed a floater in my vision after staring at the bright screen.
   • Eye floaters are usually harmless but can be annoying.
   • The doctor said floaters are common as people age.

2. Variable-rate financial instrumentC1formalbusiness

   A debt security, such as a bond, that has a variable interest rate which is periodically adjusted based on a benchmark rate.

   Titre à taux variable

   • Investors often choose floaters to hedge against rising interest rates.
   • The floater's coupon is tied to the LIBOR rate.
   • Floaters provide flexibility in a changing economic environment.

3. Person without fixed residenceB2formal

   A person who moves from place to place without a permanent home or steady income.

   Personne sans domicile fixe

   • The city provides shelters for floaters during the winter.
   • He lived as a floater, traveling from town to town.
   • Social workers try to help floaters find stable housing.

   Synonymesdrifterhoboitinerantmigrantnomadroamertramptransientvagabondvagrantwanderer

4. Flexible employeeB2informalbusiness

   An employee who is moved between different tasks or departments as needed, rather than having a fixed role.

   Employé polyvalent

   • The company hired a floater to cover for absent staff.
   • As a floater, she worked in various departments each week.
   • Floaters are valuable for their adaptability in the workplace.

   Synonymesgeneralistreliefroversubstitute

   Antonymesdedicatedfixtureregularspecialiststationary

5. Illegal voterC1formalamericanpolitical

   A person who votes in multiple locations in the same election, which is a form of electoral fraud.

   électeur multiple

   • The investigation uncovered several floaters in the election.
   • Laws are in place to prevent floaters from voting illegally.
   • The court prosecuted individuals acting as floaters.

   Synonymesrepeater

6. Person who floats in waterB1informalsport

   A swimmer who is able to stay on the surface of the water without sinking.

   Personne qui flotte dans l'eau

   • He is a natural floater and can relax in the pool for hours.
   • The instructor taught the children to be floaters first.
   • Being a floater helps beginners learn to swim.

7. Object that floatsB1formal

   Any object that remains on the surface of a liquid without sinking.

   objet flottant

   • The cork is a natural floater in water.
   • They used a floater to mark the fishing spot.
   • The toy boat is a perfect floater in the bathtub.

   Synonymesbobberbuoyfloat

8. Insurance policy for movable propertyC1formallegal

   An insurance policy that covers personal property that can be moved, such as jewelry or art, regardless of its location.

   Assurance flottante

   • She bought a floater to insure her diamond ring.
   • Floaters are ideal for covering valuable items while traveling.
   • The insurance agent recommended a floater for the antique collection.