helictiten.
/hɛˈlɪktʌɪt/ A distorted twig-like form of stalactite.
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the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > rock formations > [noun] > stiria > stalagmite or stalactite
round dropstone1668
stalactite1677
stalactites1681
stalagmite1681
water pipe1681
dropstone1695
icicle1695
watericle1776
stalagmite1815
frostwork1835
tallow1876
helictite1882
stalagma1903
1882 H. C. Hovey Celebrated Amer. Caverns xi. 186 The term ‘Helictite’ has been suggested as appropriate to these contorted growths.
1941 Illustr. London News 199 186 (caption) The roof of the first grotto or chamber, festooned with stalactites of varied shapes and structure, some tree-like, termed helictites.
1954 W. 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.
1971 Islander (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 24 Jan. 5/3 Helictites are the amazing coral-like stalactites which grow in every direction, seemingly to defy the law of gravity.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1976; most recently modified version published online March 2018).
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