adj.
Pronunciation: im- ' pech-w ə s; - ' pe-ch ə -, -chü- ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impetuosus, from Latin impetus
Date: 14th century
1 : marked by impulsive vehemence or passion <an impetuous temperament>
2 : marked by force and violence of movement or action <an impetuous wind>
synonyms see PRECIPITATE
– im · pet · u · ous · ly adverb
– im · pet · u · ous · ness noun