precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsi-pə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being precipitate : hastiness
2
: an act, process, or instance of precipitating
especially : the process of forming a precipitate
3
: something precipitated: such as
a
: a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow
also : the quantity of water deposited

Examples of precipitation in a Sentence

The weather forecast calls for some sort of frozen precipitation tomorrow—either snow or sleet. a 50 percent chance of precipitation Minerals are separated from the seawater by precipitation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The high desert will receive 0.50 to 0.80 inches of precipitation and the low desert will up to 0.60 inches. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 What To Know Rainfall is expected to begin this weekend in California, with the heaviest precipitation likely occurring on Sunday. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 But while the rain will likely aid firefighting efforts, the precipitation brings new risks. Denise Chow, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025 Speaking of snow: The Eagles sold pints of the precipitation left on the turf after Sunday’s playoff win over the Rams for $50 a pop. Chris Branch, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for precipitation 

Word History

First Known Use

1502, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precipitation was in 1502

Dictionary Entries Near precipitation

Cite this Entry

“Precipitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precipitation. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: unwise haste
2
: the process of precipitating or of forming a precipitate
3
: water or the amount of water that falls to the earth as hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow

Medical Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
a
: the process of forming a precipitate from a solution
b
: the process of precipitating or removing solid or liquid particles from a smoke or gas by electrical means
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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