flocculation

Noun

flocculation (countable and uncountable, plural flocculations)

1. (physical) A condition in which clays, polymers or other small charged particles become attached and form a fragile structure, a floc.
   • Repeated use of this type of [water] on plants results in deflocculation[] of the soil. Good quality soil consists of loose aggregates which provide natural aeration and ease of root run. Sodium accumulation in soil destroys this natural flocculation and causes the soil to pack.1972 November 5, Joan Lee Faust, “AROUND THE Garden”, in The New York Times
   • It might seem that Mr. Holl, whose initial sketches are glorious watercolors, was an unlikely candidate for a job that is all about hydrodynamics. But he credits much of his inspiration to repeated meetings with engineers -- as many as 30 at a time -- to discuss topics like "flocculation" (the...2005 February 27, Fred A. Bernstein, “In My Backyard, Please: The Infrastructure Beautiful Movement”, in The New York Times