tegule

Tegule is a term that can refer to several different things, primarily in the context of building materials and historical artifacts. In Roman architecture, tegulae (singular: tegula) were a type of roofing tile. These were typically flat, rectangular tiles made of fired clay. They were laid in such a way that they overlapped, with broader tiles called imbrices placed in the channels between them to ensure waterproofing. This system of tiling was a common and effective method for roofing structures in the Roman Empire, contributing to the durability of their buildings.

Beyond Roman roofing, the term can also be found in entomology. In this field, it may refer to a specific anatomical part, such as a scale or a tile-like plate on an insect's body. The exact meaning within entomology would depend on the specific insect or taxonomic group being discussed, but it generally implies a small, flattened, and often overlapping structure.

In a broader sense, "tegule" can also be used metaphorically to describe any small, overlapping, tile-like pieces, whether in nature or in manufactured objects. The core concept remains consistent: a small, protective, often flat or curved element that fits together with others to form a covering or a structured surface.