stalagmite

PRONUNCIATION: (stuh-LAG-myt, STAL-uhg-myt)

MEANING:
noun: A conical column on the floor of a cave, formed by minerals in dripping water.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Greek stalaktos (dripping), from stalassein (to drip). Earliest documented use: 1681.

NOTES:
A similar tapering structure hanging from the roof of a cave is called a stalactite. It's easy to remember which is which. Ground: stalaGmite; Ceiling: stalaCtite.
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STALAGMIT9 - a special underground Hell where the National Spleological Society sends careless people who break off stalagmites and stalactites.

* Been there, done that. frown