precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsi-pə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being precipitate : hastiness
2
: an act, process, or instance of precipitating
especially : the process of forming a precipitate
3
: something precipitated: such as
a
: a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow
also : the quantity of water deposited

Examples of precipitation in a Sentence

The weather forecast calls for some sort of frozen precipitation tomorrow—either snow or sleet. a 50 percent chance of precipitation Minerals are separated from the seawater by precipitation.
Recent Examples on the Web But researchers can glean something from mere mentions of precipitation, Ummenhofer says, similar to how scientists with the Old Weather project used historical logbooks to chronicle the presence of sea ice in the Arctic. Benjamin Cassidy, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2024 The chance of precipitation is 30%, increasing to 50% overnight. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024 Temperatures may rise to the upper 60s to low 70s in the afternoon, though sunshine will be scarce due to precipitation and heavy cloud coverage. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 15 May 2024 There's a 60% chance of precipitation, with a chance of showers before 8 a.m., a chance of showers and storms between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and likely showers with a possible thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Saturday night is expected to be partly cloudy with a low near 62. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for precipitation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'precipitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1502, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precipitation was in 1502

Dictionary Entries Near precipitation

Cite this Entry

“Precipitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precipitation. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: unwise haste
2
: the process of precipitating or of forming a precipitate
3
: water or the amount of water that falls to the earth as hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow

Medical Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
a
: the process of forming a precipitate from a solution
b
: the process of precipitating or removing solid or liquid particles from a smoke or gas by electrical means
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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