Definitions

1. noun

A small square tile used in mosaics, especially in ancient Roman pavements.

“The archaeologist carefully examined the tesserae to date the mosaic.”

2. noun

A small, square piece of a broken or worn-out thing, especially a coin.

“The antique dealer was searching for the missing tessera of an ancient coin.”

3. noun

A square or other rectangular section of a larger surface, especially one that is separate or detachable.

“The engineer designed a tessera to improve the insulation of the building.”

4. verb

To break or wear away, especially the edges of something, so that it becomes separate or detachable.

“The rough handling of the package caused it to tessera at the seams.”