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 But while there has been a lot of research focused on how stalactites form, relatively little has been done on stalagmites. — Katherine Kornei, New York Times, "How Stalagmites Get Their Shapes," 27 Nov. 2019 Bessette described widespread calcification, going so far as to characterize conditions that included stalactites. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, courant.com, "Just three years after dedicating its new downtown Hartford plaza, Travelers is ripping up the pavers and concrete," 2 Dec. 2019 There’s a live-edge bar, whole swirly wall planks, overhead boards, rectilinear stalactites dangling in a fringe along the windows. — BostonGlobe.com, "Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe," 18 Sep. 2019 Divers flock to the site to witness the unique geology, which includes massive underwater stalactites and stalagmites that formed during the last glacial period. — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, "Creepy Catacombs, Islands of Dolls, and 18 Other Terrifying Places for Thrill Seekers," 4 Sep. 2019 Saltwater corrosion and sea currents have been swallowing up crumbling stalactites of rust. — Charlie D'agata, CBS News, "Metal-eating bacteria and corrosion could cause the Titanic to disappear," 21 Aug. 2019 This historic national landmark offers day and overnight tours for spelunkers (both novice and experienced) to explore the cave’s 32 miles of stalagmites, stalactites, and other unique features. — National Geographic, "Take an epic road trip to Tennessee’s coolest caverns," 16 Aug. 2019 Listen to ethereal tunes in an underground cavern Virginia’s Luray Caverns has the most amazing stalactites and stalagmites. — Trevor Cox, National Geographic, "15 musical wonders to see—and hear," 31 July 2019 Made famous by explorer Jacques Cousteau, this spectacular sunken cave harbors diverse marine life and jagged stalactites. — National Geographic, "Belize High School Expedition," 12 June 2019

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.

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Last Updated

13 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Stalactite.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalactite. Accessed 20 January 2020.

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More Definitions for stalactite

stalactite

noun