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precipicio

cliff

noun preh-see-PEE-syoh Rare

Origin: From Latin praecipitium, from praeceps (headlong).

Also means

precipice

Usage Note

Precipicio describes a sheer, dangerous drop — a cliff edge or ravine wall. Figuratively it is used for any situation on the brink of disaster: al borde del precipicio ('on the edge of the abyss') is a fixed journalistic and political phrase. Note the stress falls on the i despite the long word.

Examples

"El camino bordeaba un precipicio enorme."

Natural Translation

The path skirted an enormous cliff.

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