ar·ti·factI. nounor ar·te·fact \ˈär]d.ə̇ˌfakt, ˈȧ], ]tə̇-, -ēˌf-\;
also ar·te·fac \-ak\
(
-s)
Etymology: artifact alteration (probably influenced by
artifice) of
artefact, from Latin
arte by skill (abl. of
art-, ars skill) +
factum something done, from neuter of
factus, past participle of
facere to do, make;
artefac alteration of
artefact — more at
arm
,
do
1. : a usually simple object (as a tool or ornament) showing human workmanship or modification as distinguished from a natural object
2. a. : a product of artificial character due to extraneous (as human) agency;
specifically : an appearance in a fixed tissue or cell held in microscopy to be an inconstant product of manipulation or reagents and not indicative of actual structural relationships
b. : an electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic wave that arises from sources other than the heart or brain
II. noun: something characteristic of or resulting from a particular human institution, period, trend, or individual
< the vast Hollywood system … that produced so many artifacts that are still resonant for us — Elizabeth Kendall > < self-consciousness … turns out to be an artifact of our education system — Times Literary Supplement >