precipitable water [pri`sip·ǝd·ǝ·bǝl `wȯd·ǝr] METEOROLOGY The total atmospheric water vapor contained in a vertical column of unit cross-sectional area extending between any two specified levels, commonly expressed in terms of the height to which that water substance would stand if completely condensed and collected in a vessel of the same unit cross section. Also known as precipitable water vapor. |