Precipitant: meaning, definitions and examples

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precipitant

 

[ prɪˈsɪpɪtənt ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry

Causing a substance to be separated out of a solution.

Synonyms

catalyst, inducer, provocateur.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
precipitant

Use 'precipitant' when referring to a substance or cause that accelerates a process or event. This term is often used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry.

  • The addition of a precipitant caused the solution to form crystals rapidly.
  • In this experiment, the presence of a specific precipitant was necessary to obtain the desired reaction.
catalyst

Use 'catalyst' to describe something or someone that causes a significant change or event without being directly involved in the outcome. This term can be used both in scientific and everyday contexts.

  • The new manager acted as a catalyst for major improvements in the company.
  • In a chemical reaction, a catalyst speeds up the process without being consumed.
inducer

Use 'inducer' when discussing something that brings about a particular effect or state, often through persuasion or influence. This term is frequently used in biological and medical contexts.

  • The inducer triggered the production of specific enzymes in the cell.
  • The advertisement served as an inducer for increased product sales.
provocateur

Use 'provocateur' when referring to a person who intentionally stirs up trouble or incites others to action, often in a negative or controversial manner.

  • The provocateur made inflammatory statements to incite the crowd.
  • He was seen as a political provocateur, always challenging the status quo.

Examples of usage

  • The addition of the precipitant caused the formation of a solid in the solution.
  • The precipitant agent led to the precipitation of the desired compound.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A substance that causes a sudden chemical or physical change, especially one that makes a liquid become solid.

Synonyms

clotting agent, coagulant, solidifier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
precipitant

Used in chemistry to indicate a substance that causes another substance to precipitate out of a solution.

  • A precipitant was added to the solution to extract the solid particles
coagulant

Used in both medical and industrial contexts to refer to substances that induce coagulation, often of fluids like blood or milk.

  • The coagulant is used in cheese production to curdle the milk
clotting agent

Common in medical contexts, particularly related to blood coagulation.

  • The doctor used a clotting agent to stop the bleeding during surgery
solidifier

General term often used in industrial or construction contexts to describe substances that help solidify materials.

  • A solidifier was added to the concrete mix to ensure it sets properly

Examples of usage

  • The doctor added the precipitant to the blood sample to observe clotting.
  • The chemical reaction was initiated by the addition of the precipitant.

Translations

Translations of the word "precipitant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 precipitante

🇮🇳 प्रेरक

🇩🇪 auslösend

🇮🇩 pengendap

🇺🇦 осаджувач

🇵🇱 czynnik wytrącający

🇯🇵 沈殿剤 (ちんでんざい)

🇫🇷 précipitant

🇪🇸 precipitante

🇹🇷 çöktürücü

🇰🇷 촉진제

🇸🇦 مرسب

🇨🇿 srážedlo

🇸🇰 zrážadlo

🇨🇳 沉淀剂 (chén diàn jì)

🇸🇮 precipitator

🇮🇸 útfellingarefni

🇰🇿 тұндырғыш

🇬🇪 ნალექის გამომყოფი

🇦🇿 çöktürücü

🇲🇽 precipitante

Etymology

The word 'precipitant' originated from the Latin word 'praecipitant-' (meaning 'hastening forward'), which is derived from the verb 'praecipitare' (meaning 'to throw or dive headlong'). In the context of chemistry and medicine, 'precipitant' has been used to describe substances that cause rapid changes or reactions, leading to the formation of solids or other observable outcomes.