# facsimile

/fækˈsɪməɫi/ (US) · /fæksˈɪmɪlˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/facsimile
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a copy of a document or book that looks exactly like the original. It is usually a high-quality reproduction used for legal or historical reasons.

For teachers: a copy of a document or book that is identical in appearance to the original. Often used in legal or archival contexts to ensure the authenticity of a reproduction.

## Examples

- The lawyer presented a facsimile of the original contract.
- The museum displayed a facsimile of the ancient manuscript to protect the original from damage.
- While digital scans are common, the legal department required a high-resolution facsimile to verify the signature on the historical document.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.