noun / verb
tuft
TUFT/tʌft/
A small projecting bunch of strands, or to decorate with such bunches.
The tuft of grass gathers its narrow blades at one common base.
Etymology
The origin is uncertain, perhaps involving Old French touffe, “tuft of hair.” The recorded English sense centers on soft strands attached at the base but loose at their tips.
In context
Carefully paring the fuzzy tuft of hairs off the top of it--it looked to me very much like the tip of a cactus plant, which, indeed, it was--she rolled it into a little pellet
More examples
- Tufts of grass grow between the paving stones.
- The bird has a bright tuft of feathers on its head.
- She tufts the cushion with little bunches of yarn.
Forms
tuft · tufts · tufted · tufting