stalactite Definition
a tapering structure hanging like an icicle from the roof of a cave, formed of calcium salts deposited by dripping water and often uniting with a stalagmite below.
Using stalactite: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stalactite" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cave was filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Example
The stalactites in the cave were illuminated with colorful lights.
Example
The tour guide pointed out the different shapes of the stalactites.
stalactite Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with stalactite
a cave that is characterized by the presence of stalactites
Example
The stalactite cave was a popular tourist destination.
stalactite and stalagmite
a pair of complementary structures formed in caves, with the stalactite hanging from the ceiling and the stalagmite growing from the floor
Example
The stalactite and stalagmite formations in the cave were breathtaking.
speleothem
a mineral deposit formed in a cave by the precipitation of minerals from water
Example
Stalactites and stalagmites are types of speleothems.
Summary: stalactite in Brief
'Stalactite' [ˈstæləktaɪt] refers to a tapering structure that hangs from the roof of a cave like an icicle. It is formed by the deposition of calcium salts from dripping water and often unites with a stalagmite below. The term is often used in phrases like 'stalactite cave' and 'stalactite and stalagmite.'
