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

While its striking vertical walls and massive submerged stalactites remained a major draw, divers also began documenting the varied marine life that inhabits the sinkhole, including Caribbean reef sharks, giant groupers and other deep-sea species that navigate its depths. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

There was a layer of gravel underfoot, some parts of the aqueduct’s sides were calcified, and slender white stalactites hung in clusters from above, but the superb Roman engineering was entirely intact. —Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025

Take a cave tour to see giant stalactites and stalagmites, including Goliath, a 45-foot-tall stalagmite that’s 243 feet around and is one of the largest in the world. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

Its biggest draw remains its collection of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites that hang from the ceiling and rise from the ground inside the cave. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stalactite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

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"