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