# skeuomorphism

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. The incorporation of obsolete or skeuomorphic elements into a design, for familiarity or out of tradition, even though they no longer serve any functional purpose.
2. A user interface style characterized by ornate use of photorealistic textures, shadows, and often glossy highlights, mimicking a three-dimensional render.

## Etymology
From Ancient Greek σκεῦος (skeûos, “implement”) + -morphism, or skeuomorph + -ism.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/skeuomorphism