Stalactite

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Stalactite \Sta*lac"tite\ (-t[imac]t), n.; pl. {Stalactites}
     (-t[imac]ts). [Gr. stalakto`s oozing out in drops, dropping,
     fr. stala`zein to drop: cf. F. stalactite.] (Geol.)
     (a) A pendent cone or cylinder of calcium carbonate
         resembling an icicle in form and mode of attachment.
         Stalactites are found depending from the roof or sides of


         caverns, and are produced by deposition from waters which
         have percolated through, and partially dissolved, the
         overlying limestone rocks.
     (b) In an extended sense, any mineral or rock of similar form
         and origin; as, a stalactite of lava.
         [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  stalactite
       n : a cylinder of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof of a
           limestone cave