a. Now rare. [Formed as prec. + -AL.] Of the nature of a stalactite; resembling or pertaining to stalactites.
1714. Derham, Phys.-Theol., II. i. (ed. 2), 64. A Cave, which … was lined with those Stalactical Stones. Ibid. This Sparty, Stalactical Substance.
1755. T. Amory, Mem. (1766), II. 212. The most elegant and beautiful stalactical figures the water has made.
1802. Acerbi, Trav., I. 41. Stalactical ornaments of the same kind [sc. icicles] … were also attached to his nose and mouth.
1805. Saunders, Min. Waters, 132. Natural caverns … whose stalactical grottoes are great objects of curiosity to … visitors.
1869. Phillips, Vesuvius, v. 149. Salts of different kinds hang in stalactical shapes from the caverns.
