precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsi-pə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being precipitate : hastiness
2
: an act, process, or instance of precipitating
especially : the process of forming a precipitate
3
: something precipitated: such as
a
: a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow
also : the quantity of water deposited

Examples of precipitation in a Sentence

The weather forecast calls for some sort of frozen precipitation tomorrow—either snow or sleet. a 50 percent chance of precipitation Minerals are separated from the seawater by precipitation.
Recent Examples on the Web In January and February, the state got 11.1 inches of precipitation, a full 3 inches more than normal, per NIDIS data. Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 The Canadian province of Alberta’s government declared a 10-day early start to its 2024 wildfire season, due to a warm temperature and lack of precipitation. David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 The chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday: Showers are likely. The Enquirer, 11 Mar. 2024 The weather service said San Diego International Airport has recorded 10.37 inches of precipitation since the rainy season began Oct. 1. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 In the Bay Area, cloudy skies and light showers were expected to linger through Wednesday, but little measurable precipitation was expected. Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Storm total precipitation will vary greatly with elevation. Nicholas Merianos, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2024 Decreasing snowfall and a shorter snow season are expected due to warmer temperatures that will cause more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow. Rachel Ramirez, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 The next round of precipitation was expected to arrive with a fury Friday afternoon and evening, Sarment said; another round would then follow on Saturday. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'precipitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1502, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precipitation was in 1502

Dictionary Entries Near precipitation

Cite this Entry

“Precipitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precipitation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: unwise haste
2
: the process of precipitating or of forming a precipitate
3
: water or the amount of water that falls to the earth as hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow

Medical Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
a
: the process of forming a precipitate from a solution
b
: the process of precipitating or removing solid or liquid particles from a smoke or gas by electrical means
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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