4 syllables: Flo, ccu, la, tion. Stress on la.
floh-kyuh-LAY-shuhn
/ˌfloʊ.kjəˈleɪ.ʃən/
Flocculation is pronounced floh-kyuh-LAY-shuhn (/ˌfloʊ.kjəˈleɪ.ʃən/). It has four syllables (Flo-ccu-la-tion), with the stress on "la". Flocculation is a process by which colloids come out of suspension in the form of flake or cluster particles, forming flocs as they aggregate. It is commonly used in water treatment and chemistry to remove impurities by promoting coagulation and settling. The term denotes the transformation from dispersed particles to visible, loosely bound aggregates.
nounFlocculation is a process by which colloids come out of suspension in the form of flake or cluster particles, forming flocs as they aggregate. It is commonly used in water treatment and chemistry to remove impurities by promoting coagulation and settling. The term denotes the transformation from dispersed particles to visible, loosely bound aggregates.
"The lab demonstrated flocculation by adjusting the pH to encourage particle clumping."
"In water treatment, flocculation precedes sedimentation to improve clarity."
"Researchers studied the rate of flocculation under varying salt concentrations."
Pronounce as floh-kju-lay-SHUN with primary stress on the third syllable: floh-kju-lay-tion. IPA US: ˌfloʊ.kjəˈleɪ.ʃən. IPA UK: ˌflɒk.jə.ləˈeɪ.ʃən. IPA AU: ˌfloh.kjuˈlaɪ.ʃən. Focus on the cluster -kj- beginning the third syllable and the final -tion sounding as -shən. Mouth positions: start with an open back vowel in flo-, then a crisp /k/ + /j/ sequence for -c- placement, then a clear /eɪ/ diphthong before the final /ʃən/.
Common errors: 1) Dropping the second syllable vowel leading to floh-kc- lay-shn; pronounce the unstressed -cu- as a light schwa in most American speech. 2) Misplacing stress to the end, saying floh-kju-LAY-tion rather than FLOH-kju-lə-ˈeɪ-ʃən; keep the main stress on the third syllable. 3) Slurring -cl- into /kl/ without the /j/ after k, producing floh-kyoo-lay-shən. Correction: ensure a distinct /kj/ sequence after flo-, insert the /j/ sound, and maintain the -eɪ- before the final /ʃən/.
US: ˌfloʊ.kjəˈleɪ.ʃən with clear /ə/ in the second syllable; UK: ˌflɒk.jə.ləˈeɪ.ʃən, slightly shorter first vowel and stronger non-rhoticity; AU: ˌfloh.kjuˈlaɪ.ʃən, more prominent /j/ after /k/ and a slightly more open first vowel. Across accents, the key differences are vowel quality in flo-/floc- and the position of the rhotic or non-rhotic tendencies; the -eɪ.ʃən ending remains consistent as -ay-shən, but the preceding vowels vary.
It challenges you with a three-consonant cluster after the initial vowel (flo-/flok-), a mid-word /kj/ sequence, and a final -tion pronounced as -ʃən. The stress pattern falls on the third syllable, which can feel unfamiliar if you’re not used to tri-syllable technical terms. Practicing the /kj/ blend, and the /eɪ/ diphthong before the final /ʃən/ will help you articulate clearly and reduce hesitation in professional contexts.
Is there a silent letter in 'Flocculation'? No. Every letter contributes to the pronunciation, but the shortness of the second syllable and the /j/ following the k can be tricky. Focus on the sequence flo- + c- + u- with /kj/ followed by a clear /eɪ/ and final /ʃən/. This makes it easier to reproduce accurately in fast, technical speech.
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Flocculation derives from the Latin root floccus, meaning ‘tuft, tuft of wool’, via the Late Latin flocculatio, from floccus (tuft) + -atio (noun-forming suffix). The English term entered scientific usage in the 19th century, aligning with growing mastery of colloid science. The word captures the idea of forming small, loose clusters (flocs) that are visible aggregates among suspended particles. Early uses described natural sedimentation processes and improved methods in water purification and waste treatment. Over time, flocculation evolved into a standard step in water treatment, mining, paper production, and biotechnology, where controlling particle aggregation is essential. The core notion stayed the same—transformation from a dispersed phase to a structured, clumped phase—while the technical contexts broadened across industries. First known attestations appear in chemical and environmental engineering literature in the late 1800s, with rapid adoption in the 20th century as colloid science matured and instrumentation improved observations of particle dynamics.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Flocculation" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Flocculation"
-ion sounds
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