An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The force that causes immersed bodies to float or rise to the surface of a liquid or upward in a gas. Buoyant force is produced by → gravity and density differences. Same as → buoyancy.

See also: From buoy (current meaning) “a float moored in water to mark a location,” from M.E. boye, from O.Fr. buie or M.Du. boeye, from L. boia “fetter, chain” + suffix -ant; → force.