The word "tessellate" is spelled t-e-s-s-e-l-l-a-t-e in standard British English. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈtɛsəleɪt/. The first syllable "tes" is pronounced with a short "e" sound /ɛ/, followed by the sound /s/ and the stressed syllable "sel" pronounced with a short "e" sound /ɛ/. The last syllable "late" is pronounced as /leɪt/ with a long "a" sound /eɪ/ and a hard "t" sound /t/. Tessellate refers to the geometric pattern of repeated interlocking shapes.
Tessellate is a verb with multiple meanings, primarily used in the fields of mathematics, art, and design. The word derives from the Latin word "tessella," meaning a small, square tile. To tessellate means to create a pattern or design by fitting together multiple identical shapes without any gaps or overlaps.
In mathematics, tessellation refers to the tiling of a plane with geometric shapes (usually regular polygons) so that they seamlessly fill the entire space without leaving any empty spaces. This process involves arranging and interlocking the shapes in a repetitive manner.
In art and design, tessellation refers to the technique of creating a repeating pattern with shapes or motifs that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. This technique is often seen in various forms of art, such as mosaics, Islamic geometric patterns, and Escher's famous tessellating artworks. Tessellation in art allows for complex and visually intriguing compositions, playing with symmetry and repetition.
Additionally, the term can be used metaphorically to describe the concept of fitting together different elements or ideas seamlessly, like puzzle pieces, to form a coherent whole. In this context, tessellate reflects the idea of harmony, cohesion, and interconnection.
In summary, tessellate is a versatile term describing the act of fitting together identical shapes to create a pattern or design without any gaps or overlaps. The term is extensively used in mathematics, art, and design to illustrate the process of tiling and the creation of intricate repetitive patterns.
To form into squares or checkers; to lay with checkered work.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tessellate" is derived from the Latin term "tessella", which refers to a small cubical piece of stone or tile. The Latin term itself was a diminutive form of "tessera", meaning a small square. The word "tessella" was later incorporated into the Late Latin verb "tessellatus", which means "to form into small cubes". From there, the word made its way into English as "tessellate", retaining its meaning of arranging small squares or tiles in a decorative or repetitive pattern.