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

Words nearby stalagmite

stalactiform, stalactite, stalactite work, stalactites, stalag, stalagmite, stalagmites, stalagmometer, stale, stale bull, stalemate

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-lăg′mīt′ ]

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.