precipitation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the quantity of water falling to earth at a specific place within a specified period of time
    • the storm brought several inches of precipitation
  2. noun the process of forming a chemical precipitate
  3. noun the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)
    downfall.
  4. noun the act of casting down or falling headlong from a height
  5. noun an unexpected acceleration or hastening
    • he is responsible for the precipitation of his own demise
  6. noun overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
    hastiness; hurry; haste; hurriedness.
    • he soon regretted his haste

WordNet

Pre*cip`i*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. praecipitatio: cf. F. précipitation.
Definitions
  1. The act of precipitating, or the state of being precipitated, or thrown headlong.
    In peril of precipitation From off rock Tarpeian. Shak.
  2. A falling, flowing, or rushing downward with violence and rapidity.
    The hurry, precipitation, and rapid motion of the water, returning . . . towards the sea. Woodward.
  3. Great hurry; rash, tumultuous haste; impetuosity. "The precipitation of inexperience." Rambler.
  4. (Chem.) The act or process from a solution.

Webster 1913