Precipitation \Pre*cip`i*ta"tion\, n. [L. praecipitatio: cf. F.
   pr['e]cipitation.]
   1. The act of precipitating, or the state of being
      precipitated, or thrown headlong.
      
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            In peril of precipitation
            From off rock Tarpeian.               --Shak.
      
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   2. A falling, flowing, or rushing downward with violence and
      rapidity.
      
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            The hurry, precipitation, and rapid motion of the
            water, returning . . . towards the sea. --Woodward.
      
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   3. Great hurry; rash, tumultuous haste; impetuosity. "The
      precipitation of inexperience." --Rambler.
      
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   4. (Chem.) The act or process of precipitating from a
      solution.
      
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   5. (Meteorology) A deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain,
      sleet, or snow; also, the quantity of water deposited.

   Note: Deposits of dew, fog, and frost are not regarded by the
         United States Weather Bureau as precipitation. Sleet
         and snow are melted, and the record of precipitation
         shows the depth of the horizontal layers of water in
         hundredths of an inch or in millimeters.
         [Webster 1913 Suppl.]