precipitation
/prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
1 Chemistry The action or process of precipitating a substance from a solution.Acidic proteins are known to trigger carbonate precipitation via matrix mediated processes in microbialites....
- Cell debris was removed by centrifugation, and the supernatant was fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation.
- The most common type of substitution reactions of compounds of metals is ion exchange accompanied by precipitation.
2Rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to or condenses on the ground: these convective processes produce cloud and precipitation [count noun]: the heavy post-monsoon precipitations...
- In places where the warmer air extends to the ground, the precipitation will fall as rain.
- Acid rain refers to any precipitation, rain or snow, that's more acid than ordinary rain or snow.
- The end of August could lead to earlier nights and the odd spell of seasonal weather mixed in with unusual conditions, with precipitation likely where rain falls.
3 archaic The fact or quality of acting suddenly and rashly: Cora was already regretting her precipitation
Origin
Late Middle English (denoting the action of falling or throwing down): from Latin praecipitatio(n-), from praecipitare 'throw down or headlong' (see precipitate).