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Artefact Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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artefact

[หˆษ‘หrtษชfรฆkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

historical item

An artefact is an object made or modified by humans, often holding historical or cultural significance. Such items can include tools, pottery, art, and other objects that provide insights into past societies and civilizations. Artefacts are essential for archaeologists and historians as they serve as tangible evidence of human activity and advancement. The study of artefacts can reveal information about technological development, trade, and daily life in various cultures.

Synonyms

artifact, item, object, relic.

Examples of usage

  • The archaeologists discovered an ancient artefact in the ruins.
  • Many artefacts from the Egyptian civilization are displayed in museums.
  • The artefact was carefully dated to the Iron Age.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Artefacts such as pottery, tools, and ornaments help archaeologists understand ancient civilizations and how they lived.
  • Some famous artefacts include the Rosetta Stone, which helped decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs, and the Terracotta Army of China.

Science

  • In scientific contexts, particularly in biology, the term can refer to any incorrect trace or feature arising from the processing of data.
  • In labs, artefacts could mean anomalies observed that are not present in the actual sample being studied, reminding scientists to check their results carefully.

Pop Culture

  • Artefacts are often depicted in movies and video games, like ancient relics in 'Indiana Jones' that are pivotal to the plot.
  • In the popular game 'Assassin's Creed', artefacts play a crucial role, representing powerful items from history that players seek out.

Literature

  • Many novels, like 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, feature artefacts as central elements, exploring their meanings through the characters' perspectives.
  • Artifacts in literature can symbolize lost knowledge or connections to the past, actively influencing charactersโ€™ journeys and developments.

Origin of 'artefact'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'artefact' comes from the Latin words 'arte' meaning art, and 'factum' meaning made, indicating something made with skill.
  • Originally spelled 'artifact' in American English, 'artefact' represents the British spelling, reflecting regional language differences.

The word 'artefact' originates from the Latin word 'arte factum', which means 'something made with skill'. The term was coined to distinguish handmade objects from natural items. As archaeology and anthropology developed as disciplines in the 19th century, the term became widely adopted to describe objects that humans produced, particularly those that have cultural or historical significance. Over time, 'artefact' has been used in various contexts, including science and technology, to refer to any product or result of human actions. Today, it is commonly used in museums, anthropology, and discussions around cultural heritage to analyze the impact of human creativity and manufacturing throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,745, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.