̘. ̈n.prɪˈsɪpɪtɪt v.,
adj., & n. --v.tr. 1
hasten the occurrence of;
cause to
occur prematurely. 2 (foll. by into)
send rapidly
into a
certain state or
condition (were precipitated into war). 3
throw down
headlong. 4 Chem. cause (a substance) to be deposited in
solid form from a
solution. 5
Physics a cause (dust etc.) to be deposited from the
air on a
surface. b
condense (vapour) into drops
and so
deposit it. --adj. 1 headlong; violently hurried (precipitate departure). 2 (of a
person or act)
hasty, rash,
inconsiderate. --n. 1 Chem. a
substance precipitated from a solution. 2 Physics
moisture condensed from
vapour by cooling and depositing, e.g.
rain or
dew. øøprecipitable adj. precipitability n. precipitately adv. precipitateness n. precipitator n. [L praecipitare praecipitatf. praeceps praecipitis headlong (as
PRAE-, caput head)]