travertine

[ trav-er-teen, -tin ]

noun

1. a form of limestone deposited by springs, especially hot springs, used in Italy for building.

travertine

/ ˈtrævətɪn /

noun

1. a porous rock consisting of calcium carbonate, used for building Also calledcalc-sinter

travertine

/ trăv′ər-tēn′,-tĭn /

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of travertine¹

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 ( Tivoli ) + -īnus -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of travertine¹

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

Example Sentences

Instead of jungle, you’re surrounded by travertine rock and warm, crystal blue waters.

From Outside Online

Sixteen lakes full of calcium carbonate and travertine cascade into each other by means of waterfalls of all shapes and sizes.

From The Daily Beast

The bleached concrete and travertine courtyard of the research institute is pristine, evoking calm and simplicity, in accordance with the directive of its founder, Jonas Salk, famous for developing the polio vaccine.

From Time

You've no idea how well those columns of honey-coloured Travertine would become you, Michael.

From Project Gutenberg

The slab upon which the mosaic is made, is generally of Travertine, (or Tiburtine) stones, connected together by iron cramps.

From Project Gutenberg

While the deposits here are chiefly lime or travertine, those of the geysers and of the other hot springs are silica.

From Project Gutenberg

The immense travertine columns of the faade form part of a portico which is over two hundred feet in length.

From Project Gutenberg

The pavement of the square, on which you may still walk, was of travertine.

From Project Gutenberg