i, bɔɪ| to flee; abscond: |
| chat, to converse |
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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buoy (bɔɪ, US ˈbuːɪ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | See also life buoy a distinctively shaped and coloured float, anchored to the bottom, for designating moorings, navigable channels, or obstructions in a body of water |
| —vb (usually foll by up) (usually foll by up) | |
| 2. | to prevent from sinking: the belt buoyed him up |
| 3. | to raise the spirits of; hearten |
| 4. | (tr) nautical to mark (a channel or obstruction) with a buoy or buoys |
| 5. | (intr) to rise to the surface |
| [C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch boeie, boeye; see | |
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buoy
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buoy
floating object anchored at a definite location to guide or warn mariners, to mark positions of submerged objects, or to moor vessels in lieu of anchoring. Two international buoyage systems are used to mark channels and submerged dangers. In both systems, buoys of standardized colours and shapes indicate safe passageways. Special-purpose buoys are designed for a variety of uses; they include cable buoys, anchor buoys, or race buoys. A mooring buoy differs from other types in not being an aid to navigation but a point to which vessels may be tied up. Secured to a permanent group of anchors by a heavy chain, such a buoy serves as a connecting link between the vessel and the anchors. The use of mooring buoys conserves space in crowded harbours because a moored vessel requires less room to swing with the wind and tide than does a vessel at anchor
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