Illustration of stalactite
- stalactite and stalagmite
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
adjective stə-ˌlak-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web At one point, the Abominable Snowmonster tries to murder Rudolph in front of his parents by smashing a giant stalactite on his head. 
Caitlin Flanagan, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2020 During the last ice age, the spring was actually a dry cave, as proved by stalactites and stalagmites discovered well below the current water line. Dallas News, 24 Mar. 2020 Closer to home, scientists have long used cave formations to gauge rainfall, based on ratios of oxygen isotopes left in stalactites and stalagmites by seeping water. Paul Voosen, Science | AAAS, 22 Apr. 2020 During the last ice age, the spring was actually a dry cave, as proved by stalactites and stalagmites discovered well below the current water line. Dallas News, 24 Mar. 2020 Huge stalactites hung from the tunnel roof; knocking one could have been catastrophic. George Ramsay, CNN, 10 Mar. 2020 Lids from Lodge also feature this type of helpful little nubs or stalactites inside the lid that trap condensation and recirculate moisture. NBC News, 17 Mar. 2020 Seaweed and algae cling to the underside, while fish seek shelter behind the stalactite-like underwater mountains. Lindsey J. Smith, Smithsonian, 7 Oct. 2019 Most of the lead simply melted at 300°C, pouring into the gutters and dripping into stalactites that can still be seen hanging from the vaults. Christa Lesté-lasserre, Science | AAAS, 12 Mar. 2020 See More
Caitlin Flanagan, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2020 During the last ice age, the spring was actually a dry cave, as proved by stalactites and stalagmites discovered well below the current water line. Dallas News, 24 Mar. 2020 Closer to home, scientists have long used cave formations to gauge rainfall, based on ratios of oxygen isotopes left in stalactites and stalagmites by seeping water. Paul Voosen, Science | AAAS, 22 Apr. 2020 During the last ice age, the spring was actually a dry cave, as proved by stalactites and stalagmites discovered well below the current water line. Dallas News, 24 Mar. 2020 Huge stalactites hung from the tunnel roof; knocking one could have been catastrophic. George Ramsay, CNN, 10 Mar. 2020 Lids from Lodge also feature this type of helpful little nubs or stalactites inside the lid that trap condensation and recirculate moisture. NBC News, 17 Mar. 2020 Seaweed and algae cling to the underside, while fish seek shelter behind the stalactite-like underwater mountains. Lindsey J. Smith, Smithsonian, 7 Oct. 2019 Most of the lead simply melted at 300°C, pouring into the gutters and dripping into stalactites that can still be seen hanging from the vaults. Christa Lesté-lasserre, Science | AAAS, 12 Mar. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin stalactites, from Greek stalaktos dripping, from stalassein to let drip
First Known Use
1677, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
stalactite
noun
sta·lac·tite stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt
: 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