{Red precipitate} (Old. Chem), mercuric oxide ({HgO}) a heavy
red crystalline powder obtained by heating mercuric
nitrate, or by heating mercury in the air. Prepared in the
latter manner, it was the {precipitate per se} of the
alchemists.
{White precipitate} (Old Chem.)
(a) A heavy white amorphous powder ({NH2.HgCl}) obtained
by adding ammonia to a solution of mercuric chloride
or corrosive sublimate; -- formerly called also
{infusible white precipitate}, and now {amido-mercuric
chloride}.
(b) A white crystalline substance obtained by adding a
solution of corrosive sublimate to a solution of sal
ammoniac (ammonium chloride); -- formerly called also
{fusible white precipitate}.
So many fathom down precipitating. --Shak.
2. To hasten without preparation. [R.]
3. (Chem.) To separate from a solution as a precipitate. See
{Precipitate}, n.
2. Lacking due deliberation or care; hurried; said or done
before the time; as, a precipitate measure. ``The rapidity
of our too precipitate course.'' --Landor.
3. Falling, flowing, or rushing, with steep descent;
headlong.
Precipitate the furious torrent flows. --Prior.
4. Ending quickly in death; brief and fatal; as, a
precipitate case of disease. [Obs.] --Arbuthnot.
She and her horse had been precipitated to the
pebbled region of the river. --W. Irving.
2. To urge or press on with eager haste or violence; to cause
to happen, or come to a crisis, suddenly or too soon; as,
precipitate a journey, or a conflict.
Back to his sight precipitates her steps. --Glover.
If they be daring, it may precipitate their designs,
and prove dangerous. --Bacon.
3. (Chem.) To separate from a solution, or other medium, in
the form of a precipitate; as, water precipitates camphor
when in solution with alcohol.
The light vapor of the preceding evening had been
precipitated by the cold. --W. Irving.