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Precipitation: meaning, definitions and examples

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precipitation

 

[ prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

weather

Precipitation refers to any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the sky. This includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Precipitation is a crucial part of the Earth's water cycle, providing moisture for plants and animals.

Synonyms

downpour, precip, rainfall

Examples of usage

  • The forecast predicts heavy precipitation in the form of snow tomorrow.
  • After days of drought, the farmers were relieved to see precipitation in the form of rain.
  • The region experienced record levels of precipitation last month.
  • Excessive precipitation can lead to flooding in low-lying areas.
  • Climate change is affecting the patterns of precipitation around the world.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

In chemistry, precipitation refers to the formation of a solid from a solution during a chemical reaction. This solid material, called a precipitate, forms when the solubility limit of the substance is exceeded.

Synonyms

crystallization, sedimentation, solidification

Examples of usage

  • The experiment resulted in the precipitation of a white solid.
  • The addition of the reagent caused the precipitation of the compound.
  • Careful control of conditions is necessary to avoid unwanted precipitation.
  • The formation of a precipitate indicates a chemical change has occurred.
  • The student observed the precipitation reaction in the laboratory.

Translations

Translations of the word "precipitation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 precipitação

🇮🇳 वर्षा

🇩🇪 Niederschlag

🇮🇩 presipitasi

🇺🇦 опади

🇵🇱 opad

🇯🇵 降水

🇫🇷 précipitation

🇪🇸 precipitación

🇹🇷 yağış

🇰🇷 강수

🇸🇦 هطول

🇨🇿 srážky

🇸🇰 zrážky

🇨🇳 降水

🇸🇮 padavine

🇮🇸 úrkoma

🇰🇿 жауын-шашын

🇬🇪 ნალექი

🇦🇿 yağış

🇲🇽 precipitación

Etymology

The word 'precipitation' has Latin roots, deriving from the verb 'praecipitare', meaning 'to throw or hurl down'. The concept of precipitation has been recognized since ancient times, with different cultures attributing different meanings to various forms of precipitation. Today, precipitation is a fundamental aspect of meteorology and climatology, playing a vital role in shaping ecosystems and human societies.

See also: precip, precipitateness, precipitating, precipitous.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,860, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.