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Definition of: stalactite
(stə·lak′·tīt) noun
1. An elongated, downward–hanging form in which certain minerals, especially calcium carbonate, are sometimes deposited by slow dripping, as in a cave.
2. Any similar formation.
3. A downward–projecting ornament of a vaulted surface. [<NL stalactites <Gk. stalaktitos dripping <stalassein trickle, drip]
—stal·ac·tit·ic (stal′ək·tit′ik) or ·i·cal adjective
STALAGMITE (b)
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