What does stalactite mean?
A stalactite is a hanging formation in a cave, created when mineral-rich water drips from a ceiling and leaves behind small deposits of calcite or other minerals. Over long periods, these deposits can grow into narrow, pointed, tubular, or branching forms. The word is commonly encountered in descriptions of limestone caves and is distinguished from a stalagmite, the upward-growing formation found on a cave floor. Stalactites and stalagmites may eventually meet to form a column. Although the word can describe any cave deposit hanging from above, it is most strongly associated with limestone formations and is especially familiar in the context of show caves and underground geology.
nounA stalactite is a hanging formation of mineral deposits, usually calcite, that forms from dripping water on the ceiling or roof of a cave. The opposite formation on the floor of a cave is called a stalagmite.
- A mineral formation hanging from the roof or ceiling of a cave, formed by the deposition of minerals from dripping water.
"A slender stalactite hung from the cave ceiling, glittering in the lantern light."
"The guide pointed to a cluster of delicate stalactites deep inside the cavern."
"Over centuries, dripping water built the stalactite into a long, narrow formation."
The plural is used for multiple cave formations of this kind.
"Thousands of stalactites hang above the underground river."
A stalactite grows from the roof, while its counterpart, the stalagmite, grows from the floor—and sometimes they meet to form a column.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stalactite come from?
The word comes from Greek stalaktētos, meaning “dripping” or “that which is made by dripping,” referring to the way the formation develops from dripping water. It entered English through the broader scientific vocabulary used to describe mineral formations. The related word stalagmite comes from Greek stalagmos, “a dripping,” and describes the corresponding formation that rises from the floor.
Related word forms
How stalactite is actually used
The term is usually used in a geological or geographical context. It is sometimes confused with a stalagmite, but the position of the formation distinguishes them.
Easily confused with stalactite
A stalactite hangs from the ceiling of a cave, whereas a stalagmite rises from the floor.