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 calledlabelhood 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.

From Science Daily

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.

From Wall Street Journal

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg