The word "tuffs" is spelled with two "f's" because it comes from the Old Norse word "tof" meaning tuft or cluster. In IPA phonetic transcription, "tuffs" is pronounced /tʌfs/. The symbol /t/ represents the voiceless alveolar stop sound, while the symbol /ʌ/ represents the mid-central vowel. The symbol /f/ represents the voiceless labiodental fricative sound that is heard twice in "tuffs". This spelling might seem unusual to some but understanding the word's etymology can help make sense of it.
Tuffs, as a plural noun, refers to the small tufts or clusters of hair or fibers that are tightly packed together. These tuffs can be found in various animals, such as certain breeds of dogs or cats, where they can form on certain parts of the body, such as the ears or the tail. Tuffs can also refer to plant matter, particularly the small bunches of leaves or grass that grow in dense clumps.
In addition to being used to describe natural elements, the term tuffs can also be used in the context of artificial or man-made materials. For example, tuffs can refer to synthetic fibers that are used in the production of textiles or carpets. These fibers are often intentionally manufactured to resemble the appearance and texture of natural tuffs.
Overall, the term tuffs signifies the presence of tightly bundled or clustered hair, fibers, or plant matter. It is a descriptive term used to depict the physical attributes of these materials, highlighting their compactness and closeness to one another.