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 

stə-ˌlak-

adjective

Illustration of stalactite

• stalactite and stalagmite

Examples of stalactite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Around the same time in a cave in Italy, someone — most likely kids or teens — hurled mud balls at the wall and tried to hit the stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2025

Under the colorful stalactites dripping from the round ceiling of Room XX, a sculpture by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló representing multiculturalism and tolerance, the room was full and attentive. —Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025

Inside, explore stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and helictites. —Erin Gifford, USA Today, 18 June 2025

Antiparos is smaller and quieter, and known for its cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stalactite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids 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"