stalactite
Pronunciation: /ˈstaləktʌɪt/
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Definition of stalactite
noun
Derivatives
Pronunciation: /-ˈtɪtɪk/
adjective
Origin:
late 17th century: from modern Latin stalactites, from Greek stalaktos 'dripping', based on stalassein 'to drip'
Do not confuse stalactite with stalagmite. A stalactite hangs from the roof of a cave, whereas a stalagmite rises up from a cave’s floor.
Spelling tip
stalactites hang from the ceiling; stalagmites start from the ground.