tessella

Friendly

Word: Tessella

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A tessella is a small, usually square-shaped piece that is used to create a pattern or design, especially in mosaics. It is a smaller version of a tessera.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You can use the word "tessella" when talking about art, especially when discussing mosaics or tile work.
• How to use in a sentence: "The artist carefully placed each tessella to form a beautiful image."

Example:

• "The floor of the ancient temple was made of colorful tessellae arranged in intricate designs."

Advanced Usage:

• In art and architecture, tessellae can refer to any small piece that contributes to a larger decorative pattern, not just in mosaics but also in other forms of artistic expression.

Word Variants:

• Tessera: This is the singular form of tessella and refers to a single piece used in mosaics.
• Tessellate (verb): To cover a surface with a pattern of one or more shapes, such that there are no gaps or overlaps.

Different Meanings:

• In a broader sense, tessella can also refer to any small unit or component of a larger structure or pattern, not just limited to art.

Synonyms:

• Mosaic piece
• Tile
• Mosaic tile

Related Terms:

• Mosaic: A piece of art created by arranging tessellae.
• Tessellation: The process of creating a pattern with no overlaps or gaps.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include the word "tessella," but you might encounter phrases related to art or design that involve tessellation.

Academic

Noun

1. a small tessera