stalactite
noun/stəˈlæktaɪt/
Frequency rank: #19,826 of 20,003 in the WORDED list (wordfreq data)
Meaning
A tapering rock formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave, formed by the dripping of mineral-rich water.
Example sentence
The cave guide pointed out a large stalactite hanging from the ceiling that had taken thousands of years to form.
Synonyms & related words
More words in ranks 19,801–19,900
- tapenadeA thick paste made from blended olives, capers, and anchovies, typical of Provençal cuisine.
- corbelA projection of stone, wood, or metal jutting out from a wall to support a structure above it.
- cormA short, swollen underground stem base that stores nutrients and enables a plant to survive winter.
- pilasterA rectangular column projecting slightly from a wall, used as a decorative architectural element.
- sepalone of the leaf-like parts that form the outer protective covering of a flower bud
- accretionaryrelating to growth or increase by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or material.
- adenoidA mass of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity, especially prominent in children.
- eukaryotean organism whose cells have a distinct membrane-bound nucleus
- aphelionThe point in the orbit of a planet or comet at which it is farthest from the Sun.
- ostracizeto exclude someone from a group or society by general consent.