PRECIPICE

precipice

(noun) a very steep cliff

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

precipice (plural precipices)

A very steep cliff.

The brink of a dangerous situation.

(obsolete) A headlong fall or descent.

Synonyms

• cliff

• cliffdrop

Source: Wiktionary

Prec"i*pice, n. Etym: [F. précipice, L. praecipitium, fr. praeceps, - cipitis, headlong; prae before + caput, capitis, the head. See Pre-, and Chief.]

1. A sudden or headlong fall. [Obs.] Fuller.

2. A headlong steep; a very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging place; an abrupt declivity; a cliff. Where wealth like fruit on precipices grew. Dryden.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition