precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsi-pə-ˈtā-shən 

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

b

: precipitate sense 1

Synonyms

• haste
• hastiness
• hurry
• hustle
• precipitousness
• rush

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

What People Are Saying NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Rich Otto told Newsweek that winter weather associated with the atmospheric river, including rain and snow, will impact California through Sunday, bringing as much as 12 inches of additional precipitation. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024

The updating radar map above shows current areas of precipitation in green, with greater intensities indicated by yellow and orange. —Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2024

The Mountain West region could also experience a mixed bag of precipitation. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

To accommodate a liner, size up your main insulating glove by one. Liner gloves aren’t very effective against wind, precipitation, impacts, abrasion, or lacerations. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1502, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing precipitation

• acid precipitation

Kids Definition

precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən 

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 

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

: precipitate