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stalagmite

stalagmite

4 8.2
A pointed pillar of rock that grows up from a cave floor by dripping water
  • noun
  • /stəˈlæɡmaɪt/
  • Specialized
: estalagmita
  • As we explored the dark cave, we marveled at the tall stalagmites forming intricate shapes along the path.
  • stalactites and stalagmites

And as he goes down to the basement, he realizes that a literal hell with stalactites and stalagmites and hell is in his basement, the real hell.

Examples

  • Among the most stunning speleothems are stalagmites, tooth-like projections that rise upward from the cave floor.

    Blog text (5)
  • A buttress of stalagmites drips off it, forming a natural, if uneven, stairway.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • This is the Golden Cap, the largest stalagmite in Japan,

  • We have a new clue in the form of an ancient stalagmite.

    Blog text (5)
  • "We really struck it rich with this stalagmite," says Kennett.

    Blog text (5)
  • Combined, the stalagmite and hieroglyphs allowed the researchers to link precipitation to politics.

    Blog text (28)
  • I knew the difference between stalagmites and stalactites.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • A copse of pink calcite stalagmites rose from the periphery of the fissure floor like grasping fingers.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • The cave was adorned with stunning stalagmites that appeared to rise from the floor like sculptures.

  • This cavern is famous for its unique stalagmites, which have been forming for thousands of years.

Synonyms

dripstone
vsstalagmite
  • Specialized
1 9.8

Cave rock made when dripping water leaves minerals

is the specific column rising from the cave floor formed by dripping water

How Tall

column
90 1.6
stalagmite
  • Specialized
4 8.2

Surface Forms

stalagmite singular
stalagmites plural

Etymology

Stalagmite comes from the Greek word stalagma, which means 'a drop'. So a stalagmite is a rock column that slowly grows up from the cave floor as mineral-rich drops fall and leave their minerals behind.