n. [ L. praecipitatio: cf. F. précipitation. ] 1. The act of precipitating, or the state of being precipitated, or thrown headlong. [ 1913 Webster ] In peril of precipitation From off rock Tarpeian. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A falling, flowing, or rushing downward with violence and rapidity. [ 1913 Webster ] The hurry, precipitation, and rapid motion of the water, returning . . . towards the sea. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Great hurry; rash, tumultuous haste; impetuosity. “The precipitation of inexperience.” Rambler. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Chem.) The act or process of precipitating from a solution. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Meteorology) A deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow; also, the quantity of water deposited. ☞ Deposits of dew, fog, and frost are not regarded by the United States Weather Bureau as precipitation. Sleet and snow are melted, and the record of precipitation shows the depth of the horizontal layers of water in hundredths of an inch or in millimeters. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] |