Icicle

/ˈaɪsɪkəl/ noun

Definition

A hanging pointed piece of ice formed when dripping water freezes, usually seen on roofs or tree branches in winter.

Etymology

From Middle English 'isickle,' compound of 'ice' (Old English 'is') and 'ickle' (possibly from Old Norse 'jökull,' icicle). The redundancy reflects confused etymology over time.

Kelly Says

Icicles are actually nature's crystal architecture—water dripping repeatedly freezes in layers, creating perfect cones through a process similar to how stalactites form in caves over thousands of years.

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