Main Entry:

pre·cip·i·tous

Pronunciation:

\pri-ˈsi-pə-təs\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

French précipiteux, from Middle French, from Latin precipitium precipice

Date:

1646

1: precipitate 22 a: very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall <a precipitous slope> b: having precipitous sides <a precipitous gorge> c: having a very steep ascent <a precipitous street>

synonyms see steep

— pre·cip·i·tous·ly adverb

— pre·cip·i·tous·ness noun