mosaic

1 of 4

noun

mo·​sa·​ic mō-ˈzā-ik 

1

: a surface decoration made by inlaying small pieces of variously colored material to form pictures or patterns

also : the process of making it

2

: a picture or design made in mosaic

3

: something resembling a mosaic

… a mosaic of visions and daydreams and memories …

—Lawrence Shainberg

4

: an organism or one of its parts composed of cells of more than one genotype : chimera sense 3

5

: any of numerous virus diseases of plants characterized by diffuse light and dark green or yellow and green mottling of the foliage compare tobacco mosaic virus

6

: a composite map made of photographs taken by an aircraft or spacecraft

7

: the part of a television camera tube consisting of many minute photoelectric particles that convert light to an electric charge

mosaiclike

mō-ˈzā-ik-ˌlīk 

adjective

mosaic

2 of 4

adjective (1)

1

: of, relating to, produced by, or resembling a mosaic

2

: exhibiting mosaicism

3

: determinate sense 5

mosaically

mō-ˈzā-ə-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

mosaic

3 of 4

verb

mosaicked; mosaicking

transitive verb

1

: to decorate with mosaics

2

: to form into a mosaic

Mosaic

4 of 4

adjective (2)

Mo·​sa·​ic mō-ˈzā-ik 

: of or relating to Moses or the institutions or writings attributed to him

lived under the Mosaic Law

Examples of mosaic in a Sentence

Noun

a church decorated with old mosaics

a picture done in mosaic

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

From art and architecture to fashion, gastronomy, and exceptional craftsmanship, each region contributes to a cultural mosaic whose influence extends far beyond national borders. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

The Art Nouveau interiors, featuring mosaics and furnishings designed by leading artists and artisans of the era, evoke an elegant and cosmopolitan Milan, while at the bar, the Campari seltzer remains the house specialty. — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Adjective

With signs of mosaic loss of the Y chromosome prevalent in renal cell and esophageal cancers, researchers have been keen to map its appearance in tissues surrounding tumors to determine how they may be related to the disease’s progress. — Mike McRae 20, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

Viewing walkways have been installed, as well as lighting that helps reveal the intricate details of both the mosaic and the fresco. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English musycke, from Medieval Latin musaicum, alteration of Late Latin musivum, from Latin museum, musaeum

Adjective (2)

New Latin Mosaicus, from Moses Moses

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (1)

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1632, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mosaic

• cucumber mosaic
• tobacco mosaic virus

Rhymes for mosaic

• algebraic
• aramaic
• formulaic
• ptolemaic
• allogeneic
• photovoltaic
• altaic
• archaic
• deltaic
• hebraic
• oleic
• prosaic

Kids Definition

mosaic

noun

mo·​sa·​ic

mō-ˈzā-ik

1

: a decoration on a surface made by setting small pieces of glass, tile, or stone of different colors into another material so as to make pictures or patterns

2

: the process of making mosaics

3

: something resembling a mosaic

especially : a virus disease of plants characterized by mottling of the foliage

mosaic adjective

Medical Definition

mosaic

1 of 2 noun

mo·​sa·​ic mō-ˈzā-ik 

: an organism or one of its parts composed of cells of more than one genotype : chimera

mosaic

2 of 2 adjective

1

: exhibiting mosaicism

2

: determinate

mosaically

-ˈzā-ə-k(ə-)lē 

adverb