Definition of stalagmite Stalagmite

stal•ag•mite

We found 6 definitions of stalagmite from 6 different sources.

What does stalagmite mean?

Noun Plural: stalagmites
stalagmite - a cylinder of calcium carbonate projecting upward from the floor of a limestone cave
		cylinder a cylindrical container for oxygen or compressed air
		cave a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

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stalagmite (Noun)
A mineral deposit of calcium carbonate , in shapes similar to icicles, that lie on the ground of a cave.

stalagmite (n.)
A deposit more or less resembling an inverted stalactite, formed by calcareous water dropping on the floors of caverns; hence, a similar deposit of other material.

stalagmite
sta-lag′mīt, n. a deposit of carbonate of lime, &c., on the floor of a cavern, usually cylindrical or conical in form, caused by the dripping from the roof of water holding some substance in solution; it is the counterpart to a Stalactite, and both are often fused together, forming a Stalactitic column.—adjs. Stalagmit′ic, -al, having the form of stalagmites.—adv. Stalagmit′ically. [Gr. stalagmos, a dropping—stalazein, to drip.]

A stalagmite is a form that can be found on the floor of a cave. It rises from the floor of a limestone cave when mineralized solutions drip from the ceiling and deposits of calcium carbonate form columns on the ground. The corresponding formation on the ceiling of a cave is known as a stalactite.

When touring caves with stalactites and stalagmites you might be asked to not touch the rock formations. This is generally because the formation is considered to still be growing and forming. Since the rock buildup is formed by minerals solidifying out of the water solution, skin oils can disturb where the mineral water will cling. So the development of the rock formation will be affected and not natural anymore.

Stalactites and stalagmites can also form on concrete ceilings and floors, but they form much more rapidly there than in the natural cave environment.