travertine

noun

trav·​er·​tine ˈtra-vər-ˌtēn 

-tən

: a mineral consisting of a massive usually layered calcium carbonate (such as aragonite or calcite) formed by deposition from spring waters or especially from hot springs

Examples of travertine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The natural travertine finish creates a timeless look, adding earthy tones to your home office or living room. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024

Don’t Miss: There are over 10,000 geysers, mud pots, hot springs, travertine terraces, and fumaroles in the 2.2-million-acre park — with Old Faithful, the Norris Geyser Basin, and Grand Prismatic Spring being three of the most popular sites to visit. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2024

Handcrafted stone is also common throughout the space as well including travertine worktops, marble windowsills, and stone mosaics. —Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park The centerpiece of Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a sweeping natural travertine rock arch that creates a cavelike feel. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French travertin, from Italian travertino, trevertino, from Latin tiburtinus, adjective, of travertine, literally, of Tibur (Tivoli)

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

travertine

noun

trav·​er·​tine ˈtrav-ər-ˌtēn 

-tən

: a mineral consisting of a massive usually layered calcium carbonate formed as deposits from spring waters or especially from hot springs