Tessellation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tessellation

[หŒtษ›sษ™หˆleษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

art pattern

Tessellation refers to the covering of a plane with a pattern of one or more geometric shapes, called tiles, with no overlaps and no gaps. These tiles can be regular or irregular shapes, and they often repeat in a systematic way. Tessellations are used in various art forms, including mosaics and decorative patterns in architecture.

Synonyms

mosaic, paving, tiling.

Examples of usage

  • The floor was designed with a beautiful tessellation.
  • M.C. Escher is famous for his intricate tessellations.
  • The artist created a tessellation using hexagons and triangles.
  • Tessellation can be observed in nature, like honeycombs.

Translations

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Origin of 'tessellation'

The term 'tessellation' is derived from the Latin word 'tessella', which means a small square or tile, used primarily in the context of mosaic flooring. The concept of tessellation dates back to ancient civilizations, where geometric patterns were used in art and architecture. The Greeks and Romans employed tessellated mosaics in their floors, often depicting intricate designs and scenes. In modern mathematics, tessellation refers to the division of a surface into regular or irregular shapes, widely studied in geometry and related to tiling theory. Artists such as M.C. Escher have popularized tessellations in the 20th century, showcasing their aesthetic potential and mathematical properties.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,574, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.