v., adj., & n.
--v.tr.
1. hasten the occurrence of; cause to occur prematurely.
2 (foll. by into) send rapidly into a certain state or condition (were precipitated into war).
3 throw down headlong.
4 Chem. cause (a substance) to be deposited in solid form from a solution.
5 Physics a cause (dust etc.) to be deposited from the air on a surface. b condense (vapour) into drops and so deposit it.
--adj.
1. headlong; violently hurried (precipitate departure).
2 (of a person or act) hasty, rash, inconsiderate.
--n.
1. Chem. a substance precipitated from a solution.
2 Physics moisture condensed from vapour by cooling and depositing, e.g. rain or dew.
Derivatives:
precipitable adj. precipitability n. precipitately adv. precipitateness n. precipitator n.
Etymology: L praecipitare praecipitat- f. praeceps praecipitis headlong (as PRAE-, caput head)