stalagmite

American  

[stuh-lag-mahyt, stal-uhg-mahyt] / stəˈlæg maɪt, ˈstæl əgˌmaɪt /

noun

1. a deposit, usually of calcium carbonate, more or less resembling an inverted stalactite, formed on the floor of a cave or the like by the dripping of percolating calcareous water.

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stalagmite British  

/ ˈstæləɡˌmaɪt, ˌstæləɡˈmɪtɪk /

noun

1. a cylindrical mass of calcium carbonate projecting upwards from the floor of a limestone cave: formed by precipitation from continually dripping water Compare stalactite

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stalagmite Scientific  

/ stə-lăg′mīt′ /

1. A cylindrical or conical mineral deposit, similar to a stalactite but built up from the floor of a cave or cavern. Stalagmites are typically broader than stalactites. The two formations are often, but not always, paired, and they sometimes join at a midpoint to form a pillar.

2. Compare stalactite

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Other Word Forms

• stalagmitic adjective
• stalagmitical adjective
• stalagmitically adverb

Etymology

Origin of stalagmite

1675–85; < New Latin stalagmites < Greek stálagm ( a ) a drop ( stalag-, stem of stalássein to drip + -ma noun suffix of result) + New Latin -ites -ite ¹

Compare meaning

How does stalagmite compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• stalagmite vs. stalactite

Explanation

A stalagmite is the pointed formation that rises from the floor of a cave. When you go spelunking, or cave exploring, you'll have to avoid the areas where stalagmites have formed. Stalagmites are thin piles of mineral deposits that have fallen from the roof to the floor of a cave. They're sometimes connected to the stalactites that dangle down from the top. Because stalagmites form from drops of water combined with minerals, they get their name from the Greek stalagmos, "a dropping," and share a root with stalactite — the Greek stalassein, "to trickle."

Example Sentences

Yet stalagmites offer new insights into climate fluctuations because the German researchers could examine the isotopic composition of oxygen in a southern German stalagmite that had been formed from hard water.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2024

The data from the stalagmite measurements show that summers were cold and winters very wet during this time, which combined with year-round flooding led to poor harvests and famine.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2024

The glowing stalagmite chandeliers, electric neon art of cacti, waves and sun punctuate the walls of the ocean-blue California Room, the venue’s second stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2023

During the annual pilgrimage, tens of thousands of Hindus cross glaciers and waterlogged trails to reach the cave which contains an ice stalagmite considered to be a physical manifestation of the god Shiva.

From Reuters • Jul. 8, 2022

“I never know,” Harry called to Hagrid over the noise of the cart, “what’s the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite?”

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling