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stalagmite

noun

/ˈstaləɡmʌɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of stalagmite

A mineral formation that grows upward from the floor of a cave or other underground space.
"The stalagmite was so tall, it almost touched the ceiling."

Detailed meaning of stalagmite

It is formed by the same process as stalactites - the gradual accumulation of minerals, usually calcium carbonate, that drip down from the ceiling and solidify on the floor. However, stalagmites grow in the opposite direction, as the mineral-laden water drips onto the floor and creates a cone-shaped mound. Like stalactites, stalagmites come in various shapes and sizes, and they can take thousands of years to reach their full size. Stalagmites are often found in limestone caves, and they are an important feature of many cave systems. They are admired for their beauty and the unique environment they create, and they are also important geological features that can provide valuable information about the history of the cave and the surrounding landscape.

Example sentences containing stalagmite

1. The stalagmite in the center of the cave was enormous.
2. Tourists were in awe of the impressive stalagmite formation.
3. Stalagmites can take thousands of years to grow.
4. The cave was full of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
5. The scientist studied the composition of the stalagmite.
6. Visitors were warned not to touch the delicate stalagmites.

History and etymology of stalagmite

The noun 'stalagmite' traces its origins back to the Greek word 'stalagma,' meaning 'a drop' or 'a dripping,' coupled with the suffix '-mite,' which is often used in geological terminology to denote a mineral deposit. This combination aptly describes the formation process of stalagmites, as they result from the slow, steady dripping of mineral-laden water within caves or underground spaces. Over time, these drips accumulate and harden, gradually building upwards from the cave floor to create the remarkable mineral structures we observe today. The word 'stalagmite' thus captures the essence of this natural geological phenomenon.

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Further usage examples of stalagmite

1. The stalagmite resembled a towering ice cream cone.
2. The guide explained how stalagmites are formed.
3. The spelunkers navigated around the sharp stalagmites.
4. The rare blue stalagmite was a highlight of the tour.
5. The stalagmites added to the eerie beauty of the cave.
6. A towering stalagmite guarded the cave's entrance.
7. We explored the cave, admiring the stalagmites.
8. Our flashlights revealed a forest of stalagmites.
9. A bat perched atop a slender stalagmite.
10. Stalagmites rose from the cave floor like spikes.
11. The guide explained how stalagmites form slowly.
12. Stalagmites transformed the cave into a wonderland.
13. We watched as water droplets built stalagmites.
14. We tiptoed around fragile stalagmites on the floor.
15. Stalagmites grew into intricate, natural sculptures.
16. The cave's interior boasted an array of stalagmites.
17. Hidden beneath us, stalagmites waited to be discovered.
18. Each stalagmite told a story of geological time.
19. We marveled at the stalagmites' intricate patterns.
20. Stalagmites reached for the ceiling in the cave.
21. The cave echoed with the drip-drip of stalagmites.
22. Stalagmites formed over centuries in the underground.
23. We photographed the stunning beauty of each stalagmite.
24. A subterranean river meandered around the stalagmite.
25. Stalagmites rose like ancient sentinels in the cave's depths.