Word of the Day: Precipice

Precipice
-noun

Pronounciation:
-Pres-uh-pis

Definition:
1. a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face.

2. a situation of great peril: on the precipice of war.

Etymology:
1590s, "fall to great depth," from Fr. précipice, from L. praecipitium "a steep place," lit. "a fall or leap," from praeceps (gen. praecipitis) "steep, headlong, headfirst," from prae "before, forth" (see pre-) + caput "head" (see head). Meaning "steep face of rock" is recorded from 1630s.

Quote:
"We run carelessly to the precipice, after we have put something before us to prevent us seeing it."
- Blaise Pascal (1623–1662), French scientist & philosopher

Note: "Precipice" is closely related to another common word. "Precipitation."

Nice one. I love when this is used in war speeches.

"here we stand comrades, on the pricipice of total destruction..."

Never thought about it before but precipice is a great word to use in poetry! Thanks Gordon. Jordan. Whoever you are.

Kisses for you.

GORDON, WTF.

Thanks for the kisses. I like them profusely. :)

Haha yeah!

Jordan cannot post a WOTD today, would someone else like to? Please sign up for it here first.

I'll do it!

Thanks Kev-o-mighty!

Huh... never thought of precipitation having to do with precipice. Wonder how that is. I suppose rain and snow have to fall. In chemistry, the precipitate also falls, if it's higher density. Cool. Thanks, Jozza!