stalagmite

noun

sta·​lag·​mite stə-ˈlag-ˌmīt 

 also  ˈsta-ləg-

: a deposit of calcium carbonate like an inverted stalactite formed on the floor of a cave by the drip of calcareous water

stalagmitic

ˌsta-(ˌ)lag-ˈmi-tik 

stə-ˌlag-

adjective

Examples of stalagmite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers found wood ash on nearby stalagmites, suggesting that prehistoric humans carried lit torches to navigate the deep hall. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

Researchers have also found evidence of wood ash on stalagmites, indicating that the cave’s inhabitants used torches to illuminate the chamber. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024

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

To assemble the properties, Disney razed City Winery (which before that was another media center, the home of El Diario/La Prensa) and a full block of low-rise commercial buildings, but a 2013 rezoning precluded replacing them with a single glittering glass stalagmite. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin stalagmites, from Greek stalagma drop or stalagmos dripping, from stalassein to let drip

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stalagmite

noun

sta·​lag·​mite stə-ˈlag-ˌmīt 

: a deposit of calcium carbonate like an inverted stalactite formed on the floor of a cave by the drip of water

Etymology

from scientific Latin stalagmites "stalagmite," from Greek stalagma "a drop" or Greek stalagmos "the act or result of dripping"