[pre.cip.i.tous] adj [F precipiteux, fr. MF, fr. L precipitium precipice] (1613) 1: precipitate
2. 2 a: very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall "a ~ slope" b: having precipitous sides "a ~ gorge" c: having a very steep ascent "a ~ street" syn see steep -- pre.cip.i.tous.ly adv -- pre.cip.i.tous.ness n