Main Entry: sta·lac·tite

Pronunciation: \stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt also ˈsta-lək-\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin stalactites, from Greek stalaktos dripping, from stalassein to let drip

Date: 1677

: a deposit of calcium carbonate (as calcite) resembling an icicle hanging from the roof or sides of a cave

— sta·lac·tit·ic \ˌsta-(ˌ)lak-ˈti-tik, stə-ˌ\ adjective

[stalactite illustration]