tuft

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tuft / təft/ • n. a bunch or collection of something, typically threads, grass, or hair, held or growing together at the base: scrubby tufts of grass. ∎  Anat. & Zool. a bunch of small blood vessels, respiratory tentacles, or other small anatomical structures.• v. [tr.] 1. (usu. be tufted) provide (something) with a tuft or tufts.2. make depressions at regular intervals in (a mattress or cushion) by passing a thread through it.DERIVATIVES: tuft·y adj.

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