precipitate

/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/
noun
  1. A solid substance that separates from a liquid as a result of a chemical reaction.
    • The chemist filtered the precipitate to collect the pure compound.
    • The white precipitate at the bottom of the test tube was calcium carbonate.
    • After the reaction, a yellow precipitate formed in the flask.
verb
  1. To cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than expected.
    • The economic crisis was precipitated by a sudden drop in oil prices.
    • The heavy rains precipitated flooding in the low-lying areas.
    • His careless remarks precipitated a heated argument between the two friends.
  2. To cause a substance to separate from a solution and form solid particles (in chemistry).
    • When the two liquids are mixed, a white solid will precipitate out.
    • Cooling the solution slowly helps the crystals to precipitate.
    • The chemist added a reagent to precipitate the calcium from the solution.
adjective
  1. Done or happening very quickly and without enough thought; hasty.
    • The company's precipitate expansion led to financial trouble.
    • Her precipitate decision to quit her job shocked her coworkers.
    • He made a precipitate move and lost the chess match.
Synonyms
What does "precipitate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean