stalactite

noun

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sta·lac·tite | \ stə-ˈlak-ˌtīt

also ˈsta-lək- \

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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Examples of stalactite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At one point, the Abominable Snowmonster tries to murder Rudolph in front of his parents by smashing a giant stalactite on his head. — Caitlin Flanagan, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2020 During the last ice age, the spring was actually a dry cave, as proved by stalactites and stalagmites discovered well below the current water line. — Dallas News, 24 Mar. 2020 Closer to home, scientists have long used cave formations to gauge rainfall, based on ratios of oxygen isotopes left in stalactites and stalagmites by seeping water. — Paul Voosen, Science | AAAS, 22 Apr. 2020 During the last ice age, the spring was actually a dry cave, as proved by stalactites and stalagmites discovered well below the current water line. — Dallas News, 24 Mar. 2020 Huge stalactites hung from the tunnel roof; knocking one could have been catastrophic. — George Ramsay, CNN, 10 Mar. 2020 Lids from Lodge also feature this type of helpful little nubs or stalactites inside the lid that trap condensation and recirculate moisture. — NBC News, 17 Mar. 2020 Seaweed and algae cling to the underside, while fish seek shelter behind the stalactite-like underwater mountains. — Lindsey J. Smith, Smithsonian, 7 Oct. 2019 Most of the lead simply melted at 300°C, pouring into the gutters and dripping into stalactites that can still be seen hanging from the vaults. — Christa Lesté-lasserre, Science | AAAS, 12 Mar. 2020

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.