mosaic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun art consisting of a design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass
  2. noun viral disease in solanaceous plants (tomatoes, potatoes, tobacco) resulting in mottling and often shriveling of the leaves
  3. noun a freeware browser
  4. noun a pattern resembling a mosaic
  5. noun transducer formed by the light-sensitive surface on a television camera tube
  6. noun arrangement of aerial photographs forming a composite picture
    arial mosaic; photomosaic.
  7. adjective of or relating to Moses or the laws and writings attributed to him
    • Mosaic Law

WordNet

Mo*sa"ic noun
Etymology
F. mosaïque; cf. Pr. mozaic, musec, Sp. & Pg. mosaico, It. mosaico, musaico, LGr. , , L. musivum; all fr. Gr. belonging to the Muses. See Muse the goddess.
Definitions
  1. (Fine Arts) A surface decoration made by inlaying in patterns small pieces of variously colored glass, stone, or other material; -- called also mosaic work.
  2. A picture or design made in mosaic; an article decorated in mosaic.
Mo*sa"ic adjective
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the style of work called mosaic; formed by uniting pieces of different colors; variegated; tessellated; also, composed of various materials or ingredients.
    A very beautiful mosaic pavement. Addison.
Mo*sa"ic adjective
Etymology
From Moses.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to Moses, the leader of the Israelites, or established through his agency; as, the Mosaic law, rites, or institutions.

Webster 1913