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Dictionary definition of “rusticle”

rusticle

n. a stalactite-like underwater accretion formed by cascading rust on sunken iron ships. Subjects: ,
Editorial Note: Nearly all citations found are associated with the RMS Titanic. Etymological Note: rust + icicle
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Citations: 1999 Ken F. Jarrell, Douglas P. Bayley, Jason D. Correia, Nikhil A. Thomas BioScience (July 1) “Recent excitement about the Archaea” vol. 49, no. 7, p. 530: Although iron bacteria are of primary importance in extracting the iron that forms the rusticle, the rusticles are composed of a community of perhaps dozens of microbial species. 2003 William J. Broad Chicago Tribune (Aug. 10) “Rust and visitors join iceberg as foes of doomed Titanic” p. 15: Gaping holes have opened up in the Titanic’s decks, metal walls have slumped and rivers of rust known as rusticles, which look like brownish icicles hanging from the ship’s iron plates, have multiplied so fast that in some places they cover the hull.
Posted 11 May 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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