[stuh-lak-tahyt, stal-uh
k-tahyt] 
| a deposit, usually of calcium carbonate, shaped like an icicle, hanging from the roof of a cave or the like, and formed by the dripping of percolating calcareous water. |
[stal-uhk-tit-ik] , stal⋅ac⋅tit⋅i⋅cal, adjective | stalactite (stə-lāk'tīt') Pronunciation Key
A cylindrical or conical mineral deposit projecting downward from the roof of a cave or cavern, formed by the dripping of water saturated with minerals. Stalactites form gradually as the minerals precipitate out of the saturated water. They usually consist of calcite but can also consist of other minerals. Compare stalagmite. |