Advertisement
Advertisement
stalactite
[stuh-lak-tahyt, stal-uhk-tahyt]
noun
a deposit, usually of calcium carbonate, shaped like an icicle, hanging from the roof of a cave or the like, and formed by the dripping of percolating calcareous water.
stalactite
/ ˈstæləkˌtaɪt, ˌstæləkˈtɪtɪk, stəˈlæktɪˌfɔːm /
noun
a cylindrical mass of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof of a limestone cave: formed by precipitation from continually dripping water Compare stalagmite
stalactite
A cylindrical or conical mineral deposit projecting downward from the roof of a cave or cavern, formed by the dripping of water saturated with minerals. Stalactites form gradually as the minerals precipitate out of the saturated water. They usually consist of calcite but can also consist of other minerals.
Compare stalagmite
Other Word Forms
- stalactitic adjective
- stalactitical adjective
- stalactitically adverb
- stalactiform adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of stalactite1
Word History and Origins
Origin of stalactite1
Compare Meanings
How does stalactite compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
We walked through tree branches, tangled vines and sharp hanging stalactites, over roots as thick as a human leg, and carcasses of birds, mice and God knows what else in varying states of decay.
The stalactites and stalagmites of Sequoia National Park’s Crystal Cave, a sprawling subterranean wonder that’s been closed for four years, will be accessible again this summer.
After a short walk through a maze of stalactites, Michael is lowered into the dark.
The metal structure is being eaten away by microbes, creating stalactites of rust called rusticles.
Arching over the emerald basin are walls of stalactites dripping down the cavern ceiling, which opens to a dense jungle.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse
