Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

tessera

noun
tes·​sera | \ ˈte-sə-rə How to pronounce tessera (audio) \
plural tesserae\ ˈte-​sə-​ˌrē How to pronounce tesserae (audio) , -​ˌrī \

Definition of tessera

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

Examples of tessera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Some tessera were damaged and others were missing when it was rolled up and transported overseas, but those too were restored. — Joseph Serna, latimes.com, "Authorities say ancient mosaic seized at Palmdale home was looted from war-torn Syria," 27 May 2018 In the milling street Crivano feels invisible again, a tessera blended into a mosaic. — Scarlett Thomas, New York Times, "‘The Mirror Thief,’ by Martin Seay," 27 May 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tessera.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tessera

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for tessera

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about tessera

Statistics for tessera

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for tessera

The first known use of tessera was in 1538

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on tessera

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tessera

Comments on tessera

What made you want to look up tessera? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

hamartia

Listen to the pronounciation of hamartia

a flaw that causes the downfall of a hero

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games