stalactite

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an icicle-shaped mineral deposit that hangs from the roof of a cave

   Water dripped steadily from the tip of the limestone stalactite.

Simplified etymology

Stalactite entered English in the late 17th century. Its name comes from Greek stalaktos, “dropping” or “dripping,” and denotes a formation that hangs down from the roof of a cave.

From New Latin stalactites, based on Greek stalaktos, 'dripping,' from stalassein, 'to drip.' The name describes a deposit built downward by mineral-bearing drops; stalagmite, for a formation rising from the floor, was created later from the same Greek family.

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