precipitant
UK: /prɪˈsɪpɪtənt/ | US: /prɪˈsɪpɪtənt/
adj. acting with excessive haste or without due consideration
n. a substance that causes a precipitate to form in a chemical reaction
precipitant = pre<before> + cipit<fall> + ant<adjective/noun suffix>
- pre (from Latin prae-, meaning "before")
- cipit (from Latin capere, meaning "to fall" or "to seize," via praecipitare "to throw headlong")
- ant (suffix forming adjectives/nouns, indicating agency or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin praecipitare ("to throw headlong"), combining prae- (before) + caput (head). The sense of "hasty" evolved metaphorically from the literal idea of "falling forward" (acting without forethought). In chemistry, it refers to a substance that "brings down" (precipitates) particles from a solution.
His precipitant decision led to unforeseen consequences.
The scientist added a precipitant to the solution to isolate the compound.
Avoid precipitant judgments without examining all evidence.
The reaction required a specific precipitant to form crystals.
Her precipitant actions during the crisis worsened the situation.