stalactite
/ˈstæləktaɪt/ · stalac·ti·te
noun
- A secondary mineral deposit of calcium carbonate or another mineral, in shapes similar to icicles, that hangs from the roof of a cave. The stalactites in the cave were formed over thousands of years through the dripping of mineral-rich water.
noun
- A type of rock formation that resembles an icicle. The stalactite in the geology exhibit was a popular attraction at the museum.
Did you know? The word 'stalactite' is often confused with its counterpart, 'stalagmite', which forms on the cave floor rather than the ceiling.