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 2
2 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