tile
UK: taɪl | US: taɪl
n. a thin, flat piece of baked clay, stone, or other material, used for covering roofs, floors, or walls
n. a similar piece of another material (e.g., vinyl, ceramic) used for decorative or functional purposes
vt. to cover (a surface) with tiles
The word "tile" traces back to Old English tigele, derived from Latin tegula (roof tile), from tegere (to cover). The Latin root teg- (cover) also appears in words like "protect" (pro- + teg-) and "toga" (a garment that "covers"). Over time, the Old English form simplified to "tile," retaining its core meaning of a protective or decorative covering.
The bathroom floor was covered with white ceramic tiles.
They hired a contractor to tile the kitchen backsplash.
Ancient Roman roofs often used red clay tiles.
The artist arranged broken tiles into a mosaic mural.
Heavy rain damaged the loose roof tiles.