Definition of helictite in English:
helictite
noun hɛˈlɪktʌɪtˈhelikˌtīt
Geology A distorted form of stalactite, typically resembling a twig.
Example sentencesExamples
- This has all the usual features one might expect in a cave - hundreds of stalagmites, stalactites and even helictites (strangely twisted stalactites).
- Here the weird crystals and tree helictites provide another view to wonder at on a totally different scale.
- At Lehman Caves, sign up early for one of the guided tours through an otherworldly half mile of stalactites, stalagmites, and twisting, straw-shaped helictites.
- After a brief pause to examine the tangled helictites in total amazement we crawled on.
- Near the end, a moderate crawl led to another cluster of crystals and helictites, though only a few of the group bothered with the crawl.
Origin
Late 19th century: from Greek heliktos 'twisted', on the pattern of stalactite.