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Artifact Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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artifact

[ˈɑːrtɪfækt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

archaeological discovery

An object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.

Synonyms

antiquity, relic, remnant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
artifact

Commonly used to describe an object made by a human being, typically one of cultural or historical interest. Usually found in museums or during archaeological digs.

  • The museum was full of ancient artifacts
  • Archaeologists discovered a rare artifact from the Bronze Age
relic

Usually signifies an object or a piece of something that remains from the past, often with sacred or sentimental significance. Often used in religious or historical contexts.

  • The cathedral houses many holy relics
  • This book is a relic of the medieval era
antiquity

Refers generally to the ancient past, especially the period of classical and other ancient civilizations. It can also refer to an object from ancient times, but more often it describes the time period itself.

  • The study of antiquity reveals much about human history
  • He has a keen interest in Roman antiquities
remnant

Refers to a small remaining part or quantity of something, often a surviving trace of a larger whole. Used in both historical contexts and in everyday situations.

  • A remnant of the ancient wall still stands in the city
  • She found a remnant of cloth that matched her old dress

Examples of usage

  • The museum displayed ancient artifacts from the Roman Empire.
  • The archaeologists unearthed several artifacts at the site.
Context #2 | Noun

art and design

An object produced or shaped by human craft, especially a tool, weapon, or ornament of archaeological or historical interest.

Synonyms

craftsmanship, creation, handiwork.

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Word Description / Examples
artifact

Often used to describe an object made by a human being, typically one of cultural or historical interest.

  • The museum has an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts

Examples of usage

  • The artist used natural materials to create unique artifacts.
  • The exhibition showcased modern artifacts from different cultures.
Context #3 | Noun

technology

A feature or element of a system that is a byproduct of the system's design or operation.

Synonyms

byproduct, result, side effect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
artifact

This word is commonly used to describe an object made by humans that has historical, cultural, or archaeological significance.

  • The museum displayed ancient artifacts from Egypt.
  • The archaeologists discovered a rare artifact buried in the ruins.

Examples of usage

  • The bug in the software was an artifact of the coding process.
  • The error message was an artifact of the system glitch.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Artifacts can range from everyday tools and pottery to artwork and architecture that give insights into past societies.
  • The oldest known artifacts are stone tools dating back over 2 million years, found in Africa.
  • Ancient civilizations often left behind artifacts that reveal their social structures, beliefs, and daily life.

Archaeology

  • Archaeologists study artifacts to reconstruct the lifestyles and cultures of ancient peoples.
  • Different types of artifacts, such as lithics (stone tools) and ceramics, help classify archaeological sites by period and region.
  • Preserving artifacts is crucial for future research, leading to innovations in conservation techniques.

Cultural Significance

  • Many artifacts are considered national treasures, representing the heritage of specific groups or nations.
  • Museums often display artifacts to educate the public about history and culture.
  • Cultural artifacts help maintain a connection to the past, influencing traditions and practices in modern society.

Popular Culture

  • In movies and games, artifacts often become objects of adventure, holding mystical powers or secrets.
  • Popular franchises like 'Indiana Jones' and 'National Treasure' center around the discovery of significant historical artifacts.
  • The term is used in video games to describe special items that enhance gameplay or story progression.

Origin of 'artifact'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'artificialis', which means made by art or skill.
  • It entered English in the 17th century, originally referring to things made by craftspeople.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded to include any man-made object with historical significance.

The word 'artifact' originated from the Latin word 'artefactum', which means something made with skill. In English, the term was first used in the mid-19th century to refer to objects of archaeological, historical, or cultural significance. Over time, its usage expanded to include any object created by human craft or as a byproduct of a system. Today, 'artifact' is commonly used in various fields such as archaeology, art, technology, and more.

See also: artifacts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,906, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.