noun

stalagmite

stuh-LAG-myt

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Stalagmite (noun) means a mineral formation, usually calcium carbonate, that builds up on the floor of a cave and points upward. Example: “A tall stalagmite rose from the cave floor beneath the dripping ceiling.”

noun

A mineral formation, usually calcium carbonate, that builds up on the floor of a cave and points upward.

"A tall stalagmite rose from the cave floor beneath the dripping ceiling."

"Water dripping from the roof had built up a stalagmite over thousands of years."

"Guides warned visitors not to touch the delicate stalagmites."

How to use stalagmite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rocky spike that grows upward from a cave floor.

When to use it

Stalagmite is a standard geological term used in both scientific and everyday descriptions of caves.

Memory tip

A handy trick is that stalactites cling tight to the ceiling, while stalagmites might grow up to meet them.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

stalactite →

Common pairings

cave stalagmite tall stalagmite stalagmite formation dripping into a stalagmite

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “stalagmite” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A tall _____ rose from the cave floor beneath the dripping ceiling.

Etymology

The word comes from New Latin, itself built from Ancient Greek terms meaning a drop or a dripping. It describes how the formation grows drop by drop from mineral-rich water.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for stalagmite

rite bite lite kite cite mite site twite white write trite smite

See all rhymes for stalagmite →

Frequently asked questions

What is a stalagmite?

It is a mineral deposit, usually calcium carbonate, that grows upward from a cave floor as water drips onto it over time.

How is a stalagmite different from a stalactite?

A stalagmite grows up from the floor, while a stalactite hangs down from the ceiling; the two are coordinate terms describing opposite formations.

What are stalagmites made of?

They are typically made of calcium carbonate or similar minerals left behind as dripping water evaporates.

What is the meaning of stalagmite?

"stalagmite" (noun) means a mineral formation, usually calcium carbonate, that builds up on the floor of a cave and points upward.