natant, a.
(ˈneɪtənt)
[ad. L. natant-em, pres. pple. of natāre, freq. form of nāre to swim, float.]
a. Swimming, floating. † b. Of the pulse: Buoyant. Obs.
| 1707 Floyer Physic. Pulse-Watch 407 In a Disease from Water, if the Pulse be natant and great, 'tis a sign of Life. 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp. s.v. Leaf, Natant Leaf, one which floats upon the surface of the water. 1831 Crayons fr. Commons 63 He who natant still delights to lave His pliant members in the limpid wave. |
Hence ˈnatantly adv., ‘swimmingly, floatingly’ (Webster 1847).