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
Patrons who take advantage of this beautiful 45-55 minute tour will get to see all kinds of formations, created by its speleothem growth (speleothem is the catch-all term for mineral growths like stalactites, columns, and stalagmites).
—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
4 July 2026
Marvel at a majestic semi-open cave with captivating stalactites, and take a break from sightseeing in the sunny city by cooling off in its fresh water.
—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
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Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
4 July 2026
Marvel at a majestic semi-open cave with captivating stalactites, and take a break from sightseeing in the sunny city by cooling off in its fresh water.
—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for stalactite
Cite this Entry
“Stalactite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalactite. Accessed 6 Jul. 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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