precipitate - Definition & Meaning

to precipitate

Third Person

precipitates

Present Participle

precipitating

Past Tense

precipitated

Past Participle

precipitated

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Synonyms: