an object such as a line, ray, or vector that is perpendicular to a given object. SOURCE: https://www.yourdictionary.com/tessellation#computer Normal Maps in Cideo Games Most texture maps for assets in video games have bitmaps and normal maps. The normal map has a low poly count and is essentiallt a flat 2d image that sharpens an object with highlights. Image Source: https://blog.teamtreehouse.com/understanding-normal-maps SOURCE: https://blog.teamtreehouse.com/understanding-normal-maps