skeuomorphism

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

skeuomorphism (countable and uncountable, plural skeuomorphisms)

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.
   • 1989, George Basalla, The Evolution of Technology‎^[1], Cambridge University Press, →ISBN:

     Skeuomorphism is not a thing of the past nor is it limited to traditional crafts. It is found today in countless articles being made from plastic for the first time.

2. (graphical user interface) A user interface style characterized by ornate use of photorealistic textures, shadows, and often glossy highlights, mimicking a three-dimensional render.

   Antonym: flat design