abaculus

noun

abac·​u·​lus

ə-ˈba-kyə-ləs

plural abaculi

ə-ˈba-kyə-ˌlī,

-ˌlē

: a tile used in mosaic : tessera

Word History

Etymology

misreading of Latin ab oculīs "out of view," as if diminutive of abacus abacus

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

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