Word
tessellate
Phoneticstes·sel·late, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɛsəˌleɪt/
UK/tˈɛsɪlˌeɪt/
Definition
v. to fit together in a pattern of shapes that covers a surface perfectly. When shapes do this, there are no gaps between them and no parts that overlap.
v. to cover a plane surface by repeated use of a single shape, or a set of shapes, without gaps or overlaps. Often describes geometric tiling or interlocking patterns in nature and design.
Examples
“The square tiles tessellate perfectly across the bathroom floor.”
“Graphic designers often use hexagons because they tessellate easily, creating a clean and modern honeycomb pattern.”
“The artist M.C. Escher was famous for creating intricate drawings where stylized animals tessellate to fill the entire canvas without leaving any empty space.”
Examples
simple
“The square tiles tessellate perfectly across the bathroom floor.”
contextual
“Graphic designers often use hexagons because they tessellate easily, creating a clean and modern honeycomb pattern.”
complex
“The artist M.C. Escher was famous for creating intricate drawings where stylized animals tessellate to fill the entire canvas without leaving any empty space.”
Usage
Can be used transitively (to tessellate a surface) or intransitively (shapes that tessellate).
Real-World Examples
“Chitons evolved articulated shell plates, whereas sharks developed tessellated cartilage—two tiled structures that arose independently in distant evolutionary lineages, the researchers found—and microscopic amoebae build architecturally similar protective casings from scavenged mineral tiles.” “The word "tessellate" means to form or arrange small squares in a checkered or mosaic pattern, according to Drexel University.” Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin tessellātus, from tessella, diminutive of tessera. The noun tessera derives from Ancient Greek τέσσαρες (téssares), via Proto-Hellenic from Proto-Indo-European *kʷetwóres; the suffixes in tessella and tessellātus both derive through Proto-Italic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
In Music
Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
Tessellate · 2012 · Alternative rock
- Artist:
- alt-J
- Album:
- An Awesome Wave
Alt-J's 2012 alternative rock track uses this mathematical term as a metaphor for physical and emotional intimacy. The lyrics describe two people fitting together perfectly like shapes in a repeating pattern, turning a technical geometry concept into a romantic image.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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