noun

precipitation

/prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/ · say it: prih·SIP·uh·TAY·shun

water falling as rain, snow, or hail

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) water that falls from clouds to the ground, such as rain, snow, or hail

2. (noun) the process of water falling from clouds

3. (noun) a solid or liquid substance that forms and falls out of a liquid solution

Examples

Heavy precipitation is expected tomorrow, so bring an umbrella.
The area receives very little precipitation during the dry season.
Salt precipitation occurs when the solution evaporates.

How to use precipitation

Precipitation is a formal, technical term widely used in meteorology and weather forecasting to refer to any water falling from clouds. It is more precise and neutral than casual terms like rain, encompassing snow, sleet, and hail. In chemistry, it describes a solid substance separating from a solution.

Common phrases

heavy precipitation
precipitation levels
annual precipitation
precipitation patterns
risk of precipitation
expected precipitation

Synonyms

rainfall · moisture · water · downfall · wet weather

Opposites

drought

Word family

precipitate (verb, noun) · precipitating (adjective) · precipitant (adjective, noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use precipitation to mean only rain, forgetting it includes snow, hail, and sleet. In chemistry contexts, precipitation can refer to the substance itself or the process, which may cause confusion.

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