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
Antiparos is smaller and quieter, and known for its cave full of stalactites and stalagmites.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 May 2025
While in the area, explore Lost World Caverns, an underground wonder with dramatic stalactites, flowstone formations, and cathedral-like chambers.
—West Virginia Tourism Office, AFAR Media, 9 May 2025
Starting May 23, 2025, Crystal Cave, known for its abundance of milky white stalactites and other shimmering mineralogical features, will welcome visitors once again.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Zumpango Cave is part of the Garra de Jaguar system and features ground-to-ceiling columns of speleothems, or stalagmites and stalactites, according to experts.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
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Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 May 2025
While in the area, explore Lost World Caverns, an underground wonder with dramatic stalactites, flowstone formations, and cathedral-like chambers.
—West Virginia Tourism Office, AFAR Media, 9 May 2025
Starting May 23, 2025, Crystal Cave, known for its abundance of milky white stalactites and other shimmering mineralogical features, will welcome visitors once again.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Zumpango Cave is part of the Garra de Jaguar system and features ground-to-ceiling columns of speleothems, or stalagmites and stalactites, according to experts.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
Cite this Entry
“Stalactite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalactite. Accessed 6 Jun. 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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