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Definition of precipitous - 2 dictionary results

pre⋅cip⋅i⋅tous

  [pri-sip-i-tuhs]
Use precipitous in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of the nature of or characterized by precipices: a precipitous wall of rock.
2. extremely or impassably steep: precipitous mountain trails.
3. precipitate.
Origin:
1640–50; < obs. F précipiteux; see precipitate, -ous

Related forms:
pre⋅cip⋅i⋅tous⋅ly, adverb
pre⋅cip⋅i⋅tous⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
2. abrupt, sheer, perpendicular.

Antonyms:
1, 2. flat, level.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To precipitous
pre·cip·i·tous   (prĭ-sĭp'ĭ-təs)   
adj.  

  1. Resembling a precipice; extremely steep. See Synonyms at steep1.

  2. Having several precipices: a precipitous bluff.

  3. Usage Problem Extremely rapid, hasty, or abrupt; precipitate: "The change has included a precipitous collapse of Communist authority" (New York Times). See Usage Note at precipitate.


[Probably from obsolete precipitious, from Latin praecipitium, precipice; see precipice.]
pre·cip'i·tous·ly adv., pre·cip'i·tous·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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