tessellation

tes·sel·late  (ts-lt)

tr.v. tes·sel·lat·ed, tes·sel·lat·ing, tes·sel·lates

To form into a mosaic pattern, as by using small squares of stone or glass.

---

[From Latin tesselltus, of small square stones, from tessella, small cube, diminutive of tessera, a square; see tessera.]

---

tessel·lation n.

---

tessellation

decoration composed of multi-colored, small tiles, as found in a mosaic.

See also: Ornamentation

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	tessellation - the careful juxtaposition of shapes in a pattern; "a tessellation of hexagons" juxtaposition, collocation, apposition - the act of positioning close together (or side by side); "it is the result of the juxtaposition of contrasting colors"
	2.	tessellation - the act of adorning with mosaic decoration - the act of decorating something (in the hope of making it more attractive)