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 soft Caribbean light plays tricks to add angles and shapes at different hours of the day; at night, the property takes on an otherworldly vibe by candlelight in the 45-foot, triple-height lobby, with its smooth travertine floors and inviting pool table. —Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025

Arena, using the amused, self-teasing tone of someone looking down an itemized bill for maybe three billion dollars—JPMorgan declined to confirm that reported price—reflected on the travertine that surrounds the elevator banks. —Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

The natural travertine finish creates a timeless look, adding earthy tones to your home office or living room. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024

Walls and a staircase made from a silver-blue travertine, rough-honed or scored and textural, are balanced with wide windows enabling natural light to filter in the space, which the designers intended to be reminiscent of an artist’s studio. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 2 Dec. 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

Rhymes for travertine

• acini
• aldine
• arsine
• carinii
• cosine
• delphine
• domine
• latine
• leucine
• ovine
• pennine
• porcine

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