precipitates; precipitated; precipitating
1
formal
: to cause (something) to happen quickly or suddenly
Her death precipitated a family crisis.
The budget problem was precipitated by many unexpected costs.
2
technical
a
: to become separated from a liquid especially by a chemical process
minerals that precipitate from seawater
b
: to cause (something solid) to become separated from a liquid especially by a chemical process
precipitate minerals from seawater
plural precipitates
technical
: a solid substance that is separated from a liquid especially by a chemical process
formal
: happening very quickly or too quickly without enough thought or planning
a precipitate [=precipitous] attack/decision
Cite this Entry
“Precipitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/precipitate. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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