precipitation
UK: /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/ | US: /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/
n. 1. The action or process of precipitating (e.g., rain, snow, or hail falling from the atmosphere).
n. 2. A hurried or rash action or decision.
n. 3. (Chemistry) The process of forming a solid from a solution.
precipitation = pre<before> + cipit<fall> + ation<noun suffix>
- pre (from Latin prae-, meaning "before")
- cipit (from Latin caput, meaning "head," but here derived from capere, meaning "to fall or seize")
- ation (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin praecipitare ("to throw headlong"), combining prae- ("before") and caput ("head"). Over time, it evolved to describe both literal "falling" (e.g., rain) and metaphorical "rash actions" (falling into haste). The chemical sense emerged later, reflecting the "falling out" of solids from a solution.
Heavy precipitation is expected in the mountains tonight.
His resignation was a result of political precipitation.
The lab experiment showed rapid precipitation of salt crystals.
The team acted with precipitation, overlooking key details.
Climate change may alter global precipitation patterns.