precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsi-pə-ˈtā-shən 

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

b

: precipitate sense 1

Synonyms

• haste
• hastiness
• hurry
• hustle
• precipitousness
• rush

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

However, other states anticipate more rain: Southern Alaska, Hawaii, southern Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and New England will be lucky enough to at least cool off in some precipitation alongside the record-breaking temperatures. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025

The sudden drop in precipitation could bring elevated fire danger, according to a NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook. —Katie Langford, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2025

Projections show that likely rates of deforestation will decrease precipitation by 50% in the Congo, and about 40% in the Amazon. —Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

The right amount of rain at the right time can jump-start the nutrients antlers require (although, as Heffelfinger’s experience shows, above-average moisture is the most influential in areas with relatively sparse precipitation). —Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1502, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing precipitation

• acid precipitation

Rhymes for precipitation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən 

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 

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

: precipitate