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.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic