word
stalactite
stuh-LAK-tyt
stəˈlæktaɪtListen
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Syllable breakdown
stalactite
Sounds like
Say 'stuh-LAK-tyt'.
Dictionary meaning
A tapering formation of calcium carbonate hanging like an icicle from a cave ceiling.
History and origin
Greek — 'stalaktos' (dripping).
Examples
- The cave tour guide pointed out stalactites that had taken thousands of years to form.
Common mispronunciations
STAH-lak-tytstuh-LAG-tyt
Pronunciation tips
Stalactites cling to the ceiling; stalagmites grow from the ground — 'c' for ceiling, 'g' for ground.
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