PRECIPITABLE Meaning and
Definition
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Precipitable is an adjective that refers to something that is capable of being precipitated or brought about suddenly or unexpectedly. The term is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in meteorology and atmospheric sciences.
In meteorology, "precipitable" is often used in relation to atmospheric moisture. It is the potential amount of water vapor in the atmosphere that can be condensed and form precipitation. This measurement is known as the precipitable water, which represents the total amount of water that would result from condensing all the water vapor in a vertical column of the atmosphere. It is typically expressed in units of millimeters or inches.
Additionally, "precipitable" can also be used to describe substances or compounds that can be precipitated from a solution. In chemistry, precipitation refers to the formation of a solid from a solution during a chemical reaction. Therefore, a substance is considered precipitable if it has the ability to be separated out as a solid by adding or changing certain conditions, such as temperature, pH, or the addition of a specific reagent.
Overall, whether referring to atmospheric moisture or chemical reactions, "precipitable" reflects the potential for something to undergo a sudden change or transformation, leading to the formation of a new substance or the manifestation of a particular phenomenon.
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That may be cast to the bottom, as a substance held in solution.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PRECIPITABLE
- orecipitable
- lrecipitable
- -recipitable
- 0recipitable
- peecipitable
- pdecipitable
- pfecipitable
- ptecipitable
- p5ecipitable
- p4ecipitable
- prwcipitable
- prscipitable
- prdcipitable
- prrcipitable
- pr4cipitable
- pr3cipitable
- prexipitable
- previpitable
- prefipitable
- predipitable
Etymology of PRECIPITABLE
The word "precipitable" is derived from the Latin term "praecipitabilitas", which is formed from the Latin verb "praecipitare", meaning "to throw headlong" or "to fall down". This verb is a combination of "prae" (before) and "caput" (head), suggesting a swift or abrupt descent. The Latin term was later adapted into English as "precipitate", in which the suffix "-able" is added to indicate the capability or capacity for precipitation. Thus, "precipitable" refers to something that can be precipitated or made to fall down quickly or suddenly. In a broader context, it is often used in meteorology to describe atmospheric moisture that is capable of condensing and falling as precipitation, such as rain or snow.
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