Icicle

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Icicle

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

ICE-ih-kul  /ˈaɪsɪk(ə)l/

Definition

A hanging spike of ice formed by the freezing of dripping or flowing water, typically hanging from a roof, cliff, or other overhang.

Plain meaning

An icicle is the pointed spike of ice that hangs from a roof or branch in cold weather, formed as melting or dripping water refreezes. Icicles can be very large and very heavy, posing a hazard when they fall. The word is also used figuratively for someone who is cold and unfeeling.

Register

Neutral. Icicle is used in everyday language, meteorology, and building engineering (ice dams and icicle formation are related roof maintenance issues). The figurative use — describing a cold, unfeeling person — is informal and fairly rare.