Main Entry: im·pet·u·ous

Pronunciation: \im-ˈpech-wəs; -ˈpe-chə-, -chü-əs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impetuosus, from Latin impetus

Date: 14th century

1 : marked by impulsive vehemence or passion <an impetuous temperament>
2 : marked by force and violence of movement or action <an impetuous wind>

synonyms see precipitate

— im·pet·u·ous·ly adverb

— im·pet·u·ous·ness noun