What collective term refers to various types of dripstone formations?

The term that collectively refers to various types of dripstone formations is "speleothems." These formations are created by the precipitation of minerals from dripping water in caves, which can include stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, and other formations. Speleothems are typically composed of minerals such as calcium carbonate or gypsum and develop in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the conditions within the cave environment.

Understanding this concept is key to grasping the broader characteristics and processes of cave formations. While stalagmites refer specifically to the upward-growing formations found on cave floors, and cavern features can include all aspects of a cave's structure, speleothems encompasses them all as a complete category. Karst structures, on the other hand, refer to larger landforms created by the dissolution of soluble rocks, which can include caves but is a broader term that does not specifically relate to the formations created by dripping water. Thus, the term "speleothems" most accurately captures the essence of the various types of dripstone formations found in caves.