dripstone

[drip-stohn]

noun

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

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

dripstone

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dripstone¹

First recorded in 1785–95; drip + stone

Example Sentences

Maccali and her team of researchers have focused on the subterranean world of caves, where they explore dripstones, also known as speleothems, to study past climate.

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We sat on cool clay, listening to drops splashing every few seconds into the round font, leaving behind micro-traces of minerals that form dripstone over millennia.

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These objects gained, the architects did not, apparently, enquire what the lesser minds, who carved the boss or dripstone, considered appropriate ornament.

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In architecture a “hood-mould” is a projecting moulding carried outside the arch of a door or window; it is weathered underneath, and when continued horizontally is better known as a dripstone.

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Semicircular chapels in the aisles break the monotony of the lower portion of the exterior; while the upper is rendered less severe by the pointed clerestory windows, a dripstone and string-course, and a good cornice.

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