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

Steel support pillars driven into the caves have caused rust and iron pollution in the water, and falling stalactites are making some cenotes unsafe to explore. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026

Falling stalactites are also making some cenotes unsafe to explore. —Ryan Brennan april 4, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

The exhibition was divided into two sections, one corresponding to the murder (a drum kit with twelve black stalactites, one for each stab wound), the other to its memorialization (a sculpture of a white unicorn with a melting face). —Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026

Travelers can easily spend the entire day exploring these captivating caverns, admiring the mystical stalagmites and stalactites and looking out for wildlife like bats and cougars. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026

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"