Word Study
stalactite
CIDE DICTIONARY
stalactite, n. [Gr. stalakto`s oozing out in drops, dropping, fr. stala`zein to drop: cf. F. stalactite.].
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. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
stalactite, n. a deposit of calcium carbonate having the shape of a large icicle, formed by the trickling of water from the roof of a cave, cliff overhang, etc.
Derivative
stalactic adj. stalactiform adj. stalactitic adj.
Etymology
mod.L stalactites f. Gk stalaktos dripping f. stalasso drip
ROGET THESAURUS
stalactite
Lining
N lining, inner coating, coating, stalactite, stalagmite, filling, stuffing, wadding, padding, wainscot, parietes, wall, lined.For further exploring for "stalactite" in Webster Dictionary Online