precipitate
1 of 3verb/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/
Forms:precipitates,precipitating,precipitated,precipitated
1
(chemistry) to become separated from the solvent in a solid form
- Upon cooling the saturated sugar solution, crystals began to precipitate at the bottom of the container.
- As the temperature dropped, the dissolved minerals in the water started to precipitate, forming deposits on the surface of the pipes.
- The experiment involved mixing two solutions to observe whether a solid would precipitate out of the reaction.
- The cooling process in the volcanic vent allowed minerals to precipitate, creating stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
2
to bring about or accelerate the occurrence of something, often resulting in unexpected or unfavorable consequences
transitive- The impulsive decision to cut funding for the social program could precipitate a crisis in vulnerable communities.
- The sudden resignation of key members from the team may precipitate a breakdown in the project timeline.
- His remarks during the press conference have the potential to precipitate a diplomatic incident.
- The company's hasty expansion plans may precipitate financial difficulties.
3
to throw or cast something forcefully and with great intensity
transitive- The rioters decided to precipitate objects at the police, leading to a tense confrontation.
- The athlete, overcome by disappointment, couldn't control his emotions and precipitated his equipment angrily to the ground.
- The children, caught up in a heated argument, began to precipitate snowballs at each other in a playful yet forceful manner.
- During the protest, some demonstrators chose to precipitate rocks and bottles toward the government building.
4
to descend rapidly and abruptly, often describing a sudden and steep fall
- As the hiker lost his footing, he began to precipitate down the steep slope.
- The rock climber, overcome by fatigue, couldn't prevent himself from precipitating down the sheer cliff face.
- The eagle circled high above before precipitating with incredible speed to catch its prey.
- The acrobat's daring performance involved precipitating from the trapeze and executing a series of flips before a graceful landing.
5
to undergo the process of condensation from a gaseous state to form liquid droplets or solid particles, resulting in rainfall or snowfall.
- In high-altitude regions, the cold temperatures cause water vapor to precipitate as snowflakes.
- During the winter months, the freezing temperatures cause moisture in the air to precipitate as delicate frost crystals on surfaces.
- As the clouds gathered and darkened, it was evident that they would soon precipitate.
- The cooling of the air in the evening led to the formation of dew as water vapor precipitated onto grass blades and leaves.
- In a tropical climate, warm oceanic air can precipitate as heavy rainfall.