/ prɪˈsɪpɪtəs; NAmE / adjective ( formal )
1.
very steep, high and often dangerous
SYN sheer :
precipitous cliffs
a precipitous drop at the side of the road
2.
sudden and great
SYN abrupt :
a precipitous decline in exports
3.
done very quickly, without enough thought or care
SYN hasty :
a precipitous action
► pre·cipit·ous·ly adverb :
The land dropped precipitously down to the rocky shore.
The dollar plunged precipitously.
We don't want to act precipitously.
—see also precipice
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from obsolete French précipiteux , from Latin praeceps , praecip(it)- steep, headlong, from prae before + caput head.