precipitant

[ pri-sip-i-tuhnt ]

adjective

1. falling headlong.
2. rushing headlong, rapidly, or hastily onward.
3. hasty; rash.
4. unduly sudden or abrupt.

noun

1. Chemistry. anything that causes precipitation.

precipitant

/ prɪˈsɪpɪtənt /

adjective

1. hasty or impulsive; rash
2. rushing or falling rapidly or without heed
3. abrupt or sudden

noun

1. chem a substance or agent that causes a precipitate to form

Derived Forms

• preˈcipitance, noun
• preˈcipitantly, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·cipi·tant·ly adverb
• unpre·cipi·tant adjective
• unpre·cipi·tant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of precipitant¹

1600–10; < Latin praecipitant- (stem of praecipitāns ), present participle of praecipitāre to cast down headlong. See precipitate, -ant

Example Sentences

However, the appearance of the new arrival greatly modified the unfavorable impression produced by his precipitant action.

From Project Gutenberg

Given such a precipitant, the process of recovering the gold would be simple and cheap.

From Project Gutenberg

Boadicea was at their head,—a woman of masculine spirit, but precipitant, and without any military knowledge.

From Project Gutenberg

Certina Charley, plus an indeterminate quantity of alcohol, had acted upon Hal's mind as a chemical precipitant.

From Project Gutenberg

In other respects, however, it does not seem to be any more efficient as a precipitant.

From Project Gutenberg