/ˈtɛsərə/ (TES-uh-ruh)

Definitions

1. noun

A small square tile of marble, glass, or stone, used in ancient Roman mosaics.

“The archaeologists carefully assembled the ancient mosaic using intricately cut tesserae.”

2. noun

A small piece or fragment, especially of something valuable.

“She carefully picked up the last tessera of her favorite necklace before it fell into the sink.”

3. noun

A small square of cardboard or plastic, used in a game or puzzle, especially in the game of Mahjong.

“She carefully examined her collection of Mahjong tesserae before the tournament.”

4. verb

To join or fit together pieces, especially to make a mosaic or pattern.

“The artist spent hours tessera-ing the colorful stones into a beautiful mosaic.”

5. verb

To form or make something by joining together pieces.

“She tessera-ed the fragments of the broken vase into a beautiful new piece of art.”