stalactite

noun

sta·​lac·​tite stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt 

 also  ˈsta-lək-

: a deposit of calcium carbonate (such as calcite) resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cave

stalactitic

ˌsta-(ˌ)lak-ˈti-tik 

stə-ˌlak-

adjective

Illustration of stalactite

• stalactite and stalagmite

Examples of stalactite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The constantly evolving and changing cave system also includes various mineral formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and helictites. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2024

Arching over the emerald basin are walls of stalactites dripping down the cavern ceiling, which opens to a dense jungle. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2024

Low-roofed, a maze of plumbing, with cladding hanging from the sloped ceiling like stalactites. —Geoffrey Bunting, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024

The park is best known for its extensive limestone cave system with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin stalactites, from Greek stalaktos dripping, from stalassein to let drip

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stalactite

noun

sta·​lac·​tite stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt 

: a deposit of calcium carbonate resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cavern

Etymology

from scientific Latin stalactites "stalactite," from Greek stalaktos (adjective) "dripping"