stalactite
noun
sta·lac·tite
| \ stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt also ˈsta-lək-
\
\
Definition of stalactite
: a deposit of calcium carbonate (such as calcite) resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cave
Illustration of stalactite
stalactite and stalagmite
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from stalactite
stalactitic
\ ˌsta-(ˌ)lak-ˈti-tik
, stə-ˌlak- \
adjective
, stə-ˌlak- \
adjective
Examples of stalactite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Divers flock to the site to witness the unique geology, which includes massive underwater stalactites and stalagmites that formed during the last glacial period. — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, "Creepy Catacombs, Islands of Dolls, and 18 Other Terrifying Places for Thrill Seekers," 4 Sep. 2019 Saltwater corrosion and sea currents have been swallowing up crumbling stalactites of rust. — Charlie D'agata, CBS News, "Metal-eating bacteria and corrosion could cause the Titanic to disappear," 21 Aug. 2019 This historic national landmark offers day and overnight tours for spelunkers (both novice and experienced) to explore the cave’s 32 miles of stalagmites, stalactites, and other unique features. — National Geographic, "Take an epic road trip to Tennessee’s coolest caverns," 16 Aug. 2019 Listen to ethereal tunes in an underground cavern Virginia’s Luray Caverns has the most amazing stalactites and stalagmites. — Trevor Cox, National Geographic, "15 musical wonders to see—and hear," 31 July 2019 Made famous by explorer Jacques Cousteau, this spectacular sunken cave harbors diverse marine life and jagged stalactites. — National Geographic, "Belize High School Expedition," 12 June 2019 The Great Blue Hole contains stalactites and stalagmites below the surface, some 40 feet in length. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "What Is the Great Blue Hole?," 19 Feb. 2019 Thoughts of a Leviathan dragging me under sent me quickly in reverse, swimming backstroke under massive stalactites hanging two stories above like divebombing dragons. — Patrick Scott, WSJ, "A Blow-Your-Mind Adventure in Vietnam’s Caves," 13 Nov. 2018 There’s also Neptune's Grotto, the otherworldly stalactite cave, and Gennargentu National Park, where intrepid hikers can reach the highest point on the island, passing lakes and gorges on trails lush with the wild pink peonies. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Learning From Sardinia, Where Locals Live La Dolce Vita Longer Than Anyone Else," 16 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stalactite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for stalactite
stalactite
noun
English Language Learners Definition of stalactite
: a pointed piece of rock that hangs down from the roof of a cave and that is formed by dripping water which contains minerals
See the full definition for stalactite in the English Language Learners Dictionary
stalactite
noun
sta·lac·tite
| \ stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt
\
\
Kids Definition of stalactite
: a deposit hanging from the roof or side of a cave in the shape of an icicle formed by the partial evaporation of dripping water containing minerals
Keep scrolling for more