precipitation

Precipitation (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does precipitation mean?

The various forms of water that fall from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
"The high level of precipitation caused the river to flood."

Detailed Meaning of Precipitation

Precipitation occurs when water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere become heavy enough to fall to the ground due to gravity. The amount of precipitation that falls in a given area can vary greatly, depending on factors such as temperature and atmospheric conditions. For example, areas that are close to bodies of water may experience more precipitation than inland areas, and areas at higher altitudes may experience more snowfall than areas at lower altitudes. Precipitation is important for the water cycle and for maintaining the balance of moisture in the environment. It also plays a vital role in agriculture and is necessary for the growth of many plants and crops. Precipitation is measured in millimeters or inches and can be observed by instruments such as rain gauges, snow depth sensors, and weather radar. In general, precipitation is a term used in meteorology to describe the various forms of water that fall from the atmosphere.

Example Sentences for Precipitation

1. Heavy precipitation caused flooding in low-lying areas.
2. Snow is a beautiful form of precipitation in winter.
3. The weather forecast predicts more precipitation tonight.
4. Sleet is a mix of rain and ice, a tricky form of precipitation.
5. Hail is a type of precipitation that can damage crops.
6. We measured the daily precipitation to monitor rainfall.

Origin and Etymology of Precipitation

The noun 'precipitation' has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'praecipitatio,' which means 'a falling headlong' or 'a sudden fall.' This term is formed from 'praecipitare,' meaning 'to throw headlong' or 'to fall abruptly.' 'Precipitation' made its way into English in the late Middle Ages and refers to the various forms of water that fall from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail. The etymology highlights the idea of water falling abruptly from the sky, as implied by its Latin origins, and encompasses all the diverse manifestations of this natural process.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun precipitation:

dryness

rainfall

aridity

drought

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Precipitation

1. Flash floods can occur with sudden, intense precipitation.
2. Accumulated precipitation can be seen in rain gauges.
3. Precipitation levels vary widely across regions.
4. The radar detected approaching precipitation.
5. Proper drainage is essential to manage precipitation runoff.
6. Droughts can lead to insufficient precipitation.
7. Snowflakes are unique forms of frozen precipitation.
8. Forecasting precipitation is crucial for agriculture.
9. Some regions experience very little annual precipitation.
10. We need accurate data on precipitation for research.
11. Hurricanes bring heavy precipitation and strong winds.
12. Sudden precipitation caught us without umbrellas.
13. Precipitation can be light drizzle or torrential rain.
14. Evaporation and precipitation are part of the water cycle.
15. Precipitation is vital for replenishing groundwater.
16. Lack of precipitation can lead to water shortages.
17. Accurate measurement of precipitation is challenging.
18. Precipitation is a critical factor for ecosystems.