tufa

noun

tu·​fa ˈtü-fə How to pronounce tufa (audio)
ˈtyü-
1
: tuff
2
: a porous rock formed as a deposit from springs or streams
specifically : travertine
tufaceous adjective

Examples of tufa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the saline lake retreated, rock formations called tufa, which had formed underwater, were left exposed along the shorelines. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024 But at Trocadero Soda Springs, an unusual effervescence comes from the water filtering through a crust of tufa made from hard deposits of silica or calcium carbonate. Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024 Reflecting the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, Mono Lake is known for having unique tufa towers (mineral structures) protruding from its waters. Molly O'Brien, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2024 At Mono Lake, visitors can gaze upon the tufa towers, unique natural structures made from limestone. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for tufa 

Word History

Etymology

Italian tufo, from Latin tofus

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tufa was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near tufa

Cite this Entry

“Tufa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tufa. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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