stalactite

noun sta·lac·tite \ stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt also ˈsta-lək- \

|Updated on: 14 Jul 2018

Definition of stalactite

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

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stalactitic

play \ˌsta-(ˌ)lak-ˈti-tik, stə-ˌlak-\ adjective

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Recent Examples of stalactite from the Web

The water inside the cave flows in strong currents and is cold and full of obstacles such as stalactites as well as sharp turns and changes in elevation.

— NBC News, "Thailand soccer team rescue: Conditions now 'most suitable' but monsoon threatens," 7 July 2018
Lauren Fensterstock uses shells, resin, and rubber to make stalactites and stalagmites, and paper to make a dense head-high bed of black Japanese chrysanthemums.

— thomas hine, Philly.com, "Brandywine River Museum's new exhibit finds scary beauty in the realm of decay," 5 July 2018
Unable to see, divers felt their way forward through mud and stalactites, grasping around to find small entryways leading from one channel to another.

— Time, "'Happy as I Could Be in the World.' What It Was Like in Thailand When Rescuers Found the Soccer Team Trapped in a Cave," 2 July 2018
Surrounded by ice-blue stalactite sculptures and tapestries, regulars, travelers, and fellow artists immerse themselves in visual publications, seeking escape, inspiration, or both.

— matthew sedacca, New York Times, "The ‘Punk Rock’ Comic Book Shop," 7 June 2018
From the sandy Leapin’ Lagoon and its water jets to the stalactites and stalagmites of the Yakulla Caverns splash pad, there's no end to the fun.

— azcentral, "45 Phoenix area splash pads, parks and water features," 14 June 2018
Vietnam's enormous cave is more than 600 feet tall in its largest chamber and there are 229 foot stalactites hanging from the ceiling.

— john wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Here's A Drone's Eve View of the World's Biggest Cave," 12 Mar. 2015
This vast subterranean system features 140-foot-tall natural columns, wondrous stalactites and an actual organ that turns the entire space into a musical instrument.

— laura kiniry, Smithsonian, "The 20 Best Small Towns To Visit in 2018," 5 June 2018
Don't miss the cellar St. Thomas Brewery Bar, located in the monastery's original brewery building, complete with 17th century stalactites and stalagmites.

— Town & Country, "These Are the 83 Top Hotels Around the World," 6 Oct. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stalactite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.