stalagmite

[ stuh-lag-mahyt, stal-uh g-mahyt ]
/ stəˈlæg maɪt, ˈstæl əgˌmaɪt /

noun

a deposit, usually of calcium carbonate, more or less resembling an inverted stalactite, formed on the floor of a cave or the like by the dripping of percolating calcareous water.

Origin of stalagmite

1675–85; < New Latin stalagmites < Greek stálagm(a) a drop ( stalag-, stem of stalássein to drip + -ma noun suffix of result) + New Latin -ites -ite1

OTHER WORDS FROM stalagmite

stal·ag·mit·ic [stal-uh g-mit-ik] /ˌstæl əgˈmɪt ɪk/, stal·ag·mit·i·cal, adjective stal·ag·mit·i·cal·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH stalagmite

stalactite stalagmite

Example sentences from the Web for stalagmites

British Dictionary definitions for stalagmites

stalagmite
/ (ˈstæləɡˌmaɪt) /

noun

a cylindrical mass of calcium carbonate projecting upwards from the floor of a limestone cave: formed by precipitation from continually dripping water Compare stalactite

Derived forms of stalagmite

stalagmitic (ˌstæləɡˈmɪtɪk) or stalagmitical, adjective

Word Origin for stalagmite

C17: from New Latin stalagmites, from Greek stalagmos dripping; related to Greek stalassein to drip; compare stalactite

Scientific definitions for stalagmites

stalagmite
[ stə-lăgmīt′ ]

A cylindrical or conical mineral deposit, similar to a stalactite but built up from the floor of a cave or cavern. Stalagmites are typically broader than stalactites. The two formations are often, but not always, paired, and they sometimes join at a midpoint to form a pillar. Compare stalactite.

Cultural definitions for stalagmites

stalagmites
[ (stuh-lag-meyets) ]

Rock structures that grow up from the floors of caves as water drips down and deposits minerals. (Compare stalactites.)

notes for stalagmites

Stalagmites grow very slowly.