dripstone

American  

[drip-stohn] / ˈdrɪpˌstoʊn /

noun

1. Architecture. a stone molding used as a drip.

2. calcium carbonate occurring in the form of stalactites and stalagmites.

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dripstone British  

/ ˈdrɪpˌstəʊn /

noun

1. the form of calcium carbonate existing in stalactites or stalagmites

2. Also called: label.   hood mould.  architect a drip made of stone

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Etymology

Origin of dripstone

First recorded in 1785–95; drip + stone

Example Sentences

Active dripstone formation in a side area of the “Kleine Teufelshöhle”.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2024

The researchers from Heidelberg and Karlsruhe studied a stalagmite -- a dripstone that grows upward from the floor of a cave -- from the "Kleine Teufelshöhle" in Franconian Switzerland.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2024

The fall is, of course, dripstone, and I knew we had found Niagara, although we had gone beyond the reach of the guide's voice almost at the start.

From Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills by Owen, Luella Agnes

There were neither idols nor signs of paganism, except that the floor, which resembled the dripstone of Tenerife, was smoothed by the feet of the old worshippers.

From To the Gold Coast for Gold A Personal Narrative in Two Volumes.—Volume I by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

Accordingly, in the northern climates, the dripstone gathered together forms a peculiar northern capital, commonly called the Early English,47 owing to its especial use in that style.

From The Stones of Venice, Volume I (of 3) by Ruskin, John