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Stalactite: meaning, definitions and examples

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stalactite

 

[ stษ™หˆlรฆktaษชt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geological formation

Stalactites are icicle-shaped formations that hang from the ceilings of caves. They are formed by the accumulation of mineral deposits, primarily calcium carbonate, that precipitate out of dripping water. Over thousands of years, these deposits build up slowly, resulting in the long, slender shapes characteristic of stalactites. The process begins when mineral-rich water drips from the ceiling, leaving behind tiny amounts of minerals that gradually create the stalactite over time.

Synonyms

formation, mineraloid

Examples of usage

  • The cave was filled with stunning stalactites.
  • We learned about the formation of stalactites during our geology class.
  • The tour guide pointed out the impressive stalactites hanging above us.

Translations

Translations of the word "stalactite" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น estalactite

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ stalactite

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Stalaktit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ stalaktit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ะฐะปะฐะบั‚ะธั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stalaktyt

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้พไนณ็Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท stalactite

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ estalactita

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sarkฤฑt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„์ˆœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุตูˆุงุนุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ stalaktit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ stalaktit

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้’Ÿไนณ็Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ stalaktit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stalaktรญt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‚ะฐะปะฐะบั‚ะธั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒขแƒแƒšแƒแƒฅแƒขแƒ˜แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ stalaktit

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ estalactita

Etymology

The word 'stalactite' originates from the Greek word 'stalaktos', which means 'that which drips'. Its formation is closely related to the natural processes occurring in limestone caves, where water containing dissolved minerals seeps through cracks and evaporates. The first known use of the term in English occurred in the mid-19th century, reflecting advances in the study of geology and cave formations. Over time, scientists have differentiated between stalactites and stalagmites, the latter of which rise from the ground. Understanding stalactites has also contributed to broader geological studies, linking cave formations to environmental conditions and climate changes.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,115, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.