Main Entry: tes·sera

Pronunciation: \ˈte-sə-rə\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural tes·ser·ae \-ˌrē, -ˌrī\

Etymology: Latin, probably ultimately from Greek tessares four; from its having four corners — more at four

Date: 1538

1 : a small tablet (as of wood, bone, or ivory) used by the ancient Romans as a ticket, tally, voucher, or means of identification
2 : a small piece (as of marble, glass, or tile) used in mosaic work