stalactite

Everyday

1. A stalactite is a long, pointed stone shape that hangs down from the roof of a cave, made very slowly by dripping water that leaves tiny bits of minerals behind. tree →
2. Anything hanging down in that shape, like an icicle, can be called a stalactite. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons about rocks and caves, stalactites form over thousands of years from limestone dissolved in water. They are taught with stalagmites, which grow up from the floor; when they meet they make a column. On cave trips, guides ask you not to touch them, because hand oil stops them growing.

Examples

• A huge stalactite hung from the cave roof. tree →
• Stalactites grow only a tiny bit every year. tree →
• Water dripped from the tip of the stalactite. tree →
• Don't touch the stalactites — they are very old. tree →
• When a stalactite meets a stalagmite, it makes a pillar. tree →
• Icicles look like stalactites made of ice. tree →
• Our class drew stalactites in the cave picture. tree →

Note

Memory trick: stalaCtites hang from the Ceiling (c), stalaGmites grow from the Ground (g). Another trick: «tights come down». Countable: stalactites.