precipitate

//prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt//
C1Frequency Level 11Formal
Visual representation of precipitate

Verb

precipitateInfinitive
precipitatePresent tense
precipitatedPast tense
precipitatedPast participle
precipitatingPresent participle
precipitatesThird-person singular
1

To cause an event or situation, especially an unpleasant one, to happen suddenly or sooner than expected.

The scandal precipitated his resignation from the company.

2

To cause a substance to be deposited in solid form from a solution.

Adding the reagent will precipitate the salt from the solution.

3

To fall or be thrown headlong.

The climber lost his grip and precipitated down the cliff.

Antonym

Adjective

precipitateCanonical form
1

Done or acting with excessive haste or without due deliberation; rash.

His precipitate decision to quit his job left him without income.

Synonym

Antonym

Noun

1

A substance deposited in solid form from a solution during a chemical reaction.

A white precipitate formed at the bottom of the test tube after mixing the two solutions.