Precipitation
prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsWater, in any form, falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.
prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən
Water released from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
The amount of precipitation in the region varies greatly throughout the year.
💡 Simply: Imagine it's raining, snowing, or even hailing! That's precipitation. It's the water that comes down from the clouds. For example: 'I needed an umbrella because the precipitation was heavy!'
👶 For kids: When rain, snow, or hail falls from the sky, that's called precipitation!
More Examples
Scientists are studying the effects of climate change on precipitation patterns.
The drought was caused by a lack of precipitation.
How It's Used
"The weather forecast predicted heavy precipitation throughout the week."
"Acid precipitation can damage ecosystems."
The act or process of causing something to happen suddenly or prematurely.
prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən
The action of causing something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.
The economic downturn was the precipitation of several market failures.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a chain reaction! Sometimes, one thing happens and then it causes another thing to happen very quickly. For example, the announcement of the news caused a precipitation of panic.
👶 For kids: It's like when something starts a chain reaction and makes something else happen fast.
More Examples
The news report led to the precipitation of public outrage.
The sudden changes in the atmosphere led to the precipitation of rain.
How It's Used
"The addition of the reagent caused the precipitation of a solid."
"His actions led to the precipitation of a crisis."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *praecipitatio* ('a throwing down headlong, a hastening'), from *praecipitare* ('to throw headlong'), from *praeceps* ('headlong'), from *prae-* ('before') + *caput* ('head').
The term precipitation has been used in scientific and weather contexts for centuries. The chemical definition emerged later.
Memory tip
Think of water PRECIPITATING down from the sky.
Word Origin
"to throw headlong, hasten"