Illustration of stalactite
- stalactite and stalagmite
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
Examples of stalactite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
In the province of Salerno in southern Italy, the Grotte dell’Angelo is a karst system featuring a unique network of caverns and impressive stalactites hanging from the vaults and stalagmites rising from the floor.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
Similarly, the custom light fixtures above the bar are designed to look like stalactites, and pebbly hiking pathways inspired the terrazzo mosaic flooring throughout.
—AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
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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
In the province of Salerno in southern Italy, the Grotte dell’Angelo is a karst system featuring a unique network of caverns and impressive stalactites hanging from the vaults and stalagmites rising from the floor.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
Similarly, the custom light fixtures above the bar are designed to look like stalactites, and pebbly hiking pathways inspired the terrazzo mosaic flooring throughout.
—AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
Cite this Entry
“Stalactite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalactite. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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"
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