Search Dictionary
Definition of stalactite

stalactite

/stəˈlæk.taɪt/
sta · lac · tite
Adverb:stalactitically
•
Plural:stalactites
•
Adjective:stalactitic
JUMP TO:

stalactite Lexical Profile

stalactite Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A tapering, icicle-shaped mineral formation that hangs from the roof of a cave, formed over time by the slow dripping of mineral-rich water, especially calcium carbonate.

Example

"The guide shone her flashlight upward to illuminate a massive limestone stalactite hanging from the cavern roof."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for stalactite
Antonyms
View all antonyms for stalactite

Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently confused with 'stalagmite'; a stalactite hangs down from the ceiling of a cave (remember the 'c' for ceiling), whereas a stalagmite rises up from the floor (remember the 'g' for ground).

• Rhymes for stalactite

• Nearby Words

stake
stakeholder
stakeout
stalactite
stalagmite
stale
stalemate

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 17th century in Modern Latin as stalactites by the Danish naturalist Ole Worm, derived from the Ancient Greek stalaktos ('dripping'), from stalassein ('to trickle or drip').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stalactite. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stalactite
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.