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

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

While in the area, explore Lost World Caverns, an underground wonder with dramatic stalactites, flowstone formations, and cathedral-like chambers. —West Virginia Tourism Office, AFAR Media, 9 May 2025

Starting May 23, 2025, Crystal Cave, known for its abundance of milky white stalactites and other shimmering mineralogical features, will welcome visitors once again. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025

Zumpango Cave is part of the Garra de Jaguar system and features ground-to-ceiling columns of speleothems, or stalagmites and stalactites, according to experts. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 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"