Word
artifact
Phoneticsar·ti·fact, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɑɹtəˌfækt/
UK spelling · artefact
Definitions
01historical object
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Archaeology American English
n. an object made by a human being, typically one that is of historical or cultural interest.
n. an object produced or shaped by human craft, especially a tool, weapon, or ornament of archaeological or historical significance.
“The museum displayed several gold artifacts found in the ancient tomb.”
“Archaeologists recovered a variety of stone artifacts from the site, providing crucial evidence about the hunting techniques of the early inhabitants.”
Usage
In British English, the spelling 'artefact' is more common.
Pitfall
The museum has many historical artefacts.
The museum has many historical artifacts.
Both spellings are correct, but 'artifact' is the standard American spelling, while 'artefact' is preferred in British English.
02digital distortion
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a mistake or strange mark in a digital image, video, or sound file caused by a computer error.
n. a perceptible distortion or error in an image, audio, or video file resulting from digital processing or compression algorithms.
“The video was low quality and had many strange artifacts on the screen.”
“Heavy compression of the image file resulted in noticeable blocky artifacts, particularly in the darker areas of the photograph.”
Synonyms
03scientific error
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. something seen in a scientific test that is not really there, but is caused by the way the test was done.
n. a finding or structure in an experiment that is not a true feature of the object under observation but a result of experimental error or preparation.
“The doctor explained that the shadow on the X-ray was just an artifact of the machine.”
“The researchers realized the unusual cellular structures were actually artifacts created during the staining process rather than biological features.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Boxgrove artifact therefore expands the known history and geographical range of elephant bone technology in Europe.” “Many of the tombs had suffered damage from looting in the past, leaving several artifacts in poor condition.” “Several of the artifacts featured in “Jane!” have never been publicly displayed before.” “Other artifacts provided clues about the people who visited the site.” Etymology
Alteration of artefact, from Italian artefatto, from Latin arte (“by skill”) (ablative of ars (“art”)) + factum (“thing made”) (from facio (“to make, do”)).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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