adj.
Pronunciation: pri- ' si-p ə -t ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: French précipiteux, from Middle French, from Latin precipitium precipice
Date: 1646
1 : PRECIPITATE 2
2 a : very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall <a precipitous slope> b : having precipitous sides <a precipitous gorge> c : having a very steep ascent <a precipitous street>
synonyms see STEEP
– pre · cip · i · tous · ly adverb
– pre · cip · i · tous · ness noun