from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Trass \Trass\, n. [D. tras or Gr. trass, probably fr. It.
terrazzo terrace. See {Terrace}.] (Geol.)
A white to gray volcanic tufa, formed of decomposed trachytic
cinders; -- sometimes used as a cement. Hence, a coarse sort
of plaster or mortar, durable in water, and used to line
cisterns and other reservoirs of water. [Formerly written
also {tarras}, {tarrace}, {terras}.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: The Dutch trass is made by burning and grinding a soft
grayish rock found on the lower Rhine.
[1913 Webster]