travertine

American  

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

Also travertin

noun

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

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travertine British  

/ ˈtrævətɪn /

noun

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

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travertine Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

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 ( Tivoli ) + -īnus -ine ¹

Compare meaning

How does travertine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• limestone vs. travertine