Icicle Meaning: Definition and Examples
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icicle
[ˈaɪ.sɪ.kəl ]
Definition
hanging from a roof
An icicle is a long, pointed, and thin piece of ice that forms when water dripping from a roof or other surface freezes.
Synonyms
ice spike, ice stalactite.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| icicle |
This is a duplicate of the first entry in this list. It is used in the same context as the first entry.
|
| ice spike |
Ice spike refers to a rare and unusual formation that appears as a thin, needle-like protrusion of ice, often seen growing upward from a frozen surface.
|
| ice stalactite |
Ice stalactite is typically used to describe an ice formation similar to an icicle but in contexts that emphasize its resemblance to mineral stalactites found in caves.
|
Examples of usage
- The children loved to watch the icicles hanging from the roof melt in the sun.
- Icicles can be dangerous when they start to fall from the roof.
Interesting Facts
Nature
- Icicles form when water drips and freezes, often during winter when the temperature fluctuates above and below freezing.
- The size of an icicle can be influenced by the amount of water available and the air temperature.
Safety
- Large icicles can be dangerous as they may fall and cause injury or damage to property.
- It's important to remove them from places where people may walk or stand to prevent accidents.
Art and Literature
- Icicles have been depicted in art and poetry as symbols of winter's beauty and the harshness of cold.
- In many stories, icicles can represent coldness in relationships or isolation.
Weather Phenomena
- The presence of icicles can indicate specific weather patterns, such as melting snow followed by cold nights.
- They can be a sign of poorly insulated roofs, as excess melting snow may lead to build-up of dripping water outdoors.
Origin of 'icicle'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'icicle' comes from the Old English word 'isig' meaning ice, combined with 'cicle,' a diminutive suffix.
- Historically, 'icicle' has been used in English since at least the 15th century.
The word 'icicle' originated from the Old English word 'gicel', which means 'icicle'. The use of icicles as decorations during the winter season dates back to ancient times, with people admiring their beauty and fragility. In some cultures, icicles are seen as a symbol of purity and transformation, as they form from water freezing in the cold air.