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
Examples of stalactite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its biggest draw remains its collection of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites that hang from the ceiling and rise from the ground inside the cave.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Onyx Cave also contains stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024
Continue to the mysterious Voodoo Cave and Hato Caves, filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a colony of harmless fruit bats.
—Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
On a seemingly innocuous nature walk to some local caverns, Homer stupidly touches a giant stalactite and opens a hole in the ground through which the family falls.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
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Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Onyx Cave also contains stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024
Continue to the mysterious Voodoo Cave and Hato Caves, filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a colony of harmless fruit bats.
—Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
On a seemingly innocuous nature walk to some local caverns, Homer stupidly touches a giant stalactite and opens a hole in the ground through which the family falls.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
Cite this Entry
“Stalactite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalactite. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stalactite
noun
sta·lac·tite
stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt
: a deposit of calcium carbonate resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cavern
Etymology
from scientific Latin stalactites "stalactite," from Greek stalaktos (adjective) "dripping"
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