stalagmite

noun

sta·​lag·​mite stə-ˈlag-ˌmīt 

 also  ˈsta-ləg-

: a deposit of calcium carbonate like an inverted stalactite formed on the floor of a cave by the drip of calcareous water

stalagmitic

ˌsta-(ˌ)lag-ˈmi-tik 

stə-ˌlag-

adjective

Examples of stalagmite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside the cave, visitors can find impressive stalactites, stalagmites and other formations. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024

The park is best known for its extensive limestone cave system with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024

During the ice ages, the caves dried out as the sea level dropped, and the seeping water from the surface decorated the caverns with deposits such as stalagmites and stalactites, collectively known as speleothems. —Martin Broen, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024

Barra Honda National Park is also impressive with a unique system of caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations and limestone caverns. —Miriam Porter, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin stalagmites, from Greek stalagma drop or stalagmos dripping, from stalassein to let drip

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stalagmite

noun

sta·​lag·​mite stə-ˈlag-ˌmīt 

: a deposit of calcium carbonate like an inverted stalactite formed on the floor of a cave by the drip of water

Etymology

from scientific Latin stalagmites "stalagmite," from Greek stalagma "a drop" or Greek stalagmos "the act or result of dripping"