Precipitation is the creation of a
solid from a solution. When the reaction occurs in a liquid solution, the solid formed is called the 'precipitate'. The chemical that causes the solid to form is called the 'precipitant'. Without sufficient force of gravity (
settling) to bring the solid particles together, the precipitate remains in
suspension. After
sedimentation, especially when using a
centrifuge to press it into a compact mass, the precipitate may be referred to as a 'pellet'. The precipitate-free liquid remaining above the solid is called the 'supernate' or 'supernatant'. Powders derived from precipitation have also
historically been known as 'flowers'.