Tessellate
[TESS-ə-leyt]
Part of speech: verb
Origin: Latin, 17th century
1.
Decorate or cover (a surface) with a pattern of repeated shapes, especially polygons, that fit together closely without gaps or overlapping.
Examples of Tessellate in a sentence
"The kitchen floor was tessellated with hexagonal linoleum tiles."
"The artist is known for tessellating mosaics with clay geometric shapes."
About Tessellate
“Tessellate” comes from the Latin “tessella,” meaning “small paving stone.”
Did you Know?
Tessellation (the noun form of the verb “tessellate”) is best known as a pattern made out of repeating geometric shapes — especially triangles, squares, and hexagons, but also combinations of different shapes. Tessellated geometric mosaics are a common design motif dating back to ancient Rome; however, some of the best-known tessellated works of art are more modern. Dutch artist M.C. Escher is known for his complex and impossible tessellated images, such as his drawings of infinite stairways. But Escher also used the pattern to impressive effect by tessellating images of birds, fish, reptiles, and insects that fit seamlessly together into mesmerizing mosaics.
