Precipitation Meaning and Definition
Precipitation
Pronunciation
/prɪsɪpɪˈteɪʃn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Water or other forms of matter that fall to the earth from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Examples
- The storm brought heavy precipitation to the city.
- The mountainous region receives more precipitation than the coastal areas.
Synonyms
- Weather
- Judgment
Antonyms
- Drought
- Desiccation
Etymology
The word “precipitation” comes from the Latin “precipitatio,” meaning “a sudden fall,” and is related to the Latin “precipitus,” meaning “precipitous” or “rushing.”
Additional Information
Precipitation plays a crucial role in the Earth’s water cycle, and it is essential for agriculture, industry, and human consumption. It is also an important factor in shaping the Earth’s landscape and creating natural features like rivers, lakes, and oceans.()
There are different types of precipitation, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Each type of precipitation is formed through different processes and has its own unique characteristics.
Usage Notes
Precipitation can be used to describe both the amount of water that falls from the sky and the act of falling itself. For example, “It has been raining heavily all day” or “The rain is precipitating down on us.”
Cultural References
In Meteorology, precipitation is a crucial aspect of weather forecasting, and it is used to predict and track the movement of weather systems.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Precipitation” is often used figuratively to describe a sudden or decisive action, for example, “The CEO’s decision to lay off employees came as a sudden precipitation.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Weather
- Climate
- Atmosphere
Collocations
- Heavy precipitation
- Light precipitation
- Precipitation rate
Frequency of Use
Precipitation is a common term in meteorology and environmental science, but it is not frequently used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Precipetation
- Preceipitation
- Precipitation