travertine

[ trav-er-teen, -tin ]
/ ˈtræv ərˌtin, -tɪn /

noun

a form of limestone deposited by springs, especially hot springs, used in Italy for building.
Also trav·er·tin [trav-er-tin] /ˈtræv ər tɪn/.

Origin of travertine

1545–55; < Italian travertino, equivalent to tra- across (< Latin trāns- trans-) + ( ti)vertino < Latin Tīburtīnus, equivalent to Tīburt- (stem of Tīburs) the territory of Tibur (see Tivoli) + -īnus -ine1

Words nearby travertine

travers, traverse, traverse city, traverse jury, traverse rod, travertine, travesty, travis, travois, travolator, trawl

Example sentences from the Web for travertine

British Dictionary definitions for travertine

travertine

travertin

/ (ˈtrævətɪn) /

noun

a porous rock consisting of calcium carbonate, used for building Also called: calc-sinter

Word Origin for travertine

C18: from Italian travertino (influenced by tra- trans-), from Latin lapis Tīburtīnus Tiburtine stone, from Tīburs the district around Tibur (now Tivoli)

Scientific definitions for travertine

travertine
[ trăv′ər-tēn′, -tĭn ]

A white, tan, or cream-colored form of limestone, often having a fibrous or concentric appearance. Travertine is formed through the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, especially at the mouth of a hot spring or in limestone caves, where it forms stalactites and stalagmites. It is similar to but harder than tufa.