| 释义 |
helictite|hɛˈlɪktaɪt|
[f. Gr. ἑλικτός twisted: after stalactite.]
A distorted twig-like form of stalactite.
1882H. C. Hovey Celebrated Amer. Caverns xi. 186 The term ‘Helictite’ has been suggested as appropriate to these contorted growths. 1941Illustr. London News CXCIX. 186 (caption) The roof of the first grotto or chamber, festooned with stalactites of varied shapes and structure, some tree-like, termed helictites. 1954W. D. Thornbury Princ. Geomorphol. xiii. 337 There is found in portions of some caves a form known as a helictite. It is unusual in that its growth does not necessarily extend along vertical lines. 1971Islander (Victoria, B.C.) 24 Jan. 5/3 Helictites are the amazing coral-like stalactites which grow in every direction, seemingly to defy the law of gravity. |