stalagmite

noun

sta·​lag·​mite stə-ˈlag-ˌmīt How to pronounce stalagmite (audio)
 also  ˈsta-ləg-
: a deposit of calcium carbonate like an inverted stalactite formed on the floor of a cave by the drip of calcareous water
stalagmitic adjective

Examples of stalagmite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inside the cave, visitors can find impressive stalactites, stalagmites and other formations. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024 The park is best known for its extensive limestone cave system with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024 During the ice ages, the caves dried out as the sea level dropped, and the seeping water from the surface decorated the caverns with deposits such as stalagmites and stalactites, collectively known as speleothems. Martin Broen, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024 Barra Honda National Park is also impressive with a unique system of caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations and limestone caverns. Miriam Porter, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stalagmite 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin stalagmites, from Greek stalagma drop or stalagmos dripping, from stalassein to let drip

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stalagmite was in 1681

Dictionary Entries Near stalagmite

Cite this Entry

“Stalagmite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalagmite. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

stalagmite

noun
sta·​lag·​mite stə-ˈlag-ˌmīt How to pronounce stalagmite (audio)
: a deposit of calcium carbonate like an inverted stalactite formed on the floor of a cave by the drip of water
Etymology

from scientific Latin stalagmites "stalagmite," from Greek stalagma "a drop" or Greek stalagmos "the act or result of dripping"

More from Merriam-Webster on stalagmite

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