What does "mosaic" mean?
A piece of artwork created by placing colored squares (usually tiles) in a pattern so as to create a picture.
Mosaic
/məʊˈzeɪk/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A piece of artwork created by placing colored squares (usually tiles) in a pattern so as to create a picture.
- Grammar: mosaic is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abstract, abstraction, aerial mosaic, altarpiece.
- Useful contrasts: erase, genetic sameness, genetic uniformity.
- Usage evidence: Please ensure the genitals are obscured by a mosaic effect.
How to use "mosaic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "mosaic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "mosaic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "mosaic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "mosaic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "mosaic" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abstract" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "mosaic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A piece of artwork created by placing colored squares (usually tiles) in a pattern so as to create a picture. countable, uncountable
- 2 art consisting of a design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass wordnet
- 3 Pixelization. (a method of censorship) countable, uncountable
"Using censorship's ability to enhance laughter, modern comedy uses a full array of censorship tools: strategically placed censors' black bars ... digitalized mosaic blurs or pixilations^([sic]) that obscure body parts, crude gestures, and the like ..."
- 4 arrangement of aerial photographs forming a composite picture wordnet
- 5 An individual composed of two or more cell lines of different genetic or chromosomal constitution, but from the same zygote. countable, uncountable
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 transducer formed by the light-sensitive surface on a television camera tube wordnet
- 7 Any of several viral diseases that cause mosaic-like patterns to appear on leaves. countable, uncountable
- 8 a pattern resembling a mosaic wordnet
- 9 A composite picture made from overlapping photographs. countable, uncountable
- 10 viral disease in solanaceous plants (tomatoes, potatoes, tobacco) resulting in mottling and often shriveling of the leaves wordnet
- 11 Any composite structure made from diverse elements. countable, figuratively, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To arrange in a mosaic. transitive
"Featheredging is a process in preparing the photographs for mosaicking and involves cutting, tearing, and sandpapering the back of the print along its edges in such a way that the edge of the print is thin and will make a smooth match with adjoining prints."
Adjective
- 1 Containing cells of varying genetic constitution. not-comparable
- 2 Pertaining to Moses, or the writings and traditions attributed to him.
"Mosaic law"
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to Moses or the laws and writings attributed to him wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Please ensure the genitals are obscured by a mosaic effect."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "mosaic"?
Common synonyms include: abstract, abstraction, aerial mosaic, altarpiece, apocalyptic, apostolic.
How do you use "mosaic" in a sentence?
Please ensure the genitals are obscured by a mosaic effect.
How do you pronounce "mosaic"?
Pronounced /məʊˈzeɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle French mosaïque, from Italian mosaico, from Medieval Latin musaicum, from Late Latin musivum (opus), from Latin museum, musaeum, probably from Ancient Greek Μουσεῖον (Mouseîon), shrine of the Muses (Μοῦσα (Moûsa)).
Etymology 2
From Middle French mosaïque, moysaique, and its source, post-classical Latin Mosaicus (5th century), from Latin Moses.