precipitated

American  

[pri-sip-i-tey-tid] / prɪˈsɪp ɪˌteɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. having been brought on suddenly or prematurely.

   Pressure on the tender spot causes the patient to physically react to the precipitated pain by exclaiming or moving.

   Operators are requesting compensation for losses incurred due to the precipitated shutdown of reactors after the accident.

2. Chemistry. (of solid material) having been separated from a solution, such as by evaporation or through the use of a reagent.

   You can tell the reaction is complete from the purple color of the precipitated sodium chloride.

   The precipitated salts give the dry lake bed a white color resembling a beach.

3. Meteorology. having fallen as rain, snow, hail, etc..

   Most of the precipitated water moves along these defined channels before being discharged into streams.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of precipitate.

Other Word Forms

• unprecipitated adjective

Etymology

Origin of precipitated

precipitate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

It also precipitated devastating civil wars in Syria, Yemen, and Libya, which triggered large-scale migration from the region to Europe.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The Iranian war has precipitated a crisis for South Korea’s economy because it is so heavily dependent on energy imports.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Paul’s initial claim to fame was launching #MomTok in 2020, which precipitated the 2024 Hulu series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

It has precipitated the publication of witness statements describing at length serious concerns held by the UK government about China's activities and intentions.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

Others were thought to be precipitated by episodes of blood loss.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

• accelerate
• expedite
• hasten
• trigger