The word "icicle" is spelled as /ˈaɪsɪkəl/, which represents its phonetic transcription in IPA. The word is derived from the Old English word "gicel," which means "icicle" or "ice." The spelling of the word is based on its pronunciation, which features a long "i" sound followed by a "sick" sound and ending with an "ull" sound. It is a commonly used word to describe the long, pointed, and frozen droplets that hang from the eaves of roofs, gutters, and other surfaces during freezing temperatures in winter.
An icicle is a slender, elongated, and often pointed formation of ice that is typically found hanging from the eaves or edges of buildings, trees, or other structures. It is produced when liquid water, typically from melting snow or ice, drips from a surface and freezes in cold weather conditions.
Icicles are formed in cold climates where the temperature drops below freezing point, causing the freezing of water droplets as they hang or flow downwards. As water freezes, it forms successive layers of ice, gradually elongating the icicle's length. These frozen formations are transparent or translucent, often appearing clear or bluish in color due to the water's purity and the way light refracts through it.
Icicles can vary in size, ranging from a few inches to several feet long, depending on the conditions in which they are formed. They are fragile and delicate structures that can break or shatter easily if disturbed or subjected to too much weight or force. Despite their fragility, icicles are often admired for their natural beauty, especially when sunlight or artificial light catches them, creating a sparkling and shimmering effect.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, icicles can pose potential safety hazards. Large or heavy icicles can fall unexpectedly, causing damage to property, injury to people, or blocking paths and entrances. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to remove or mitigate the risks associated with icicles during icy weather conditions.
• A pendant or conical mass of ice hanging from the eaves of a house, &c.
• See ice.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "icicle" has a straightforward etymology. It originated from the combination of the Middle English word "isikel" and the Old English word "gicel". Both these words ultimately derive from the Proto-Germanic word *jekilaz. The term "icicle" has retained its form and meaning throughout its evolution.