stalagmite

Stalagmites are mineral deposits which typically form on the floor of caves as mineral-bearing water drips down and evaporates. A typical feature of limestone caves, they are formed by water deposition of soluble chemicals, mostly calcium carbonate. A stalagmite will usually be associated with a corresponding stalactite.

Mnemonic: "g" for "ground"

Sta*lag"mite (?), n. [Gr. that which drops, a drop, fr. to drop; cf. F. stalagmite.] Geol.

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.

 

© Webster 1913.