tufa

noun

tu·​fa ˈtü-fə 

ˈtyü-

1

: tuff

2

: a porous rock formed as a deposit from springs or streams

specifically : travertine

tufaceous

tü-ˈfā-shəs 

tyü-

adjective

Examples of tufa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eight hectares of olive groves surround the masseria’s tufa stone walls, grounding the property in the landscape that defines this region. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Distinct limestone formations called tufa stand out—literally and figuratively—at Mono Lake. — Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

Summer brings quiet paddling, kayaking, and beach camping among tufa towers. — Ted Alvarez, Outside, 9 Mar. 2026

Carved from porous tufa stone once covered by the sea, the four wine cathedrals are considered an engineering marvel. — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian tufo, from Latin tofus

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1