artifact

[ ahr-tuh-fakt ]

noun

1. any object made by human beings, especially with a view to subsequent use.
2. a handmade object, as a tool, or the remains of one, as a shard of pottery, characteristic of an earlier time or cultural stage, especially such an object found at an archaeological excavation.
3. any mass-produced, usually inexpensive object reflecting contemporary society or popular culture:

   artifacts of the pop rock generation.

4. a substance or structure not naturally present in the matter being observed but formed by artificial means, as during preparation of a microscope slide.
5. a spurious observation or result arising from preparatory or investigative procedures.
6. any feature that is not naturally present but is a product of an extrinsic agent, method, or the like:

   statistical artifacts that make the inflation rate seem greater than it is.

7. Digital Technology. a visible or audible anomaly introduced in the processing or transmission of digital data: Ghosting artifacts in an MRI are usually the result of patient movement during a scan.

   Your computer might need a new graphics card if you see green pixels where you should not, or other graphics artifacts.

   Ghosting artifacts in an MRI are usually the result of patient movement during a scan.

verb (used with object)

1. Digital Technology. to introduce a visible or audible anomaly in (an image or audio file) during the processing or transmission of digital data: The video appears to be heavily artifacted.

   Compression may artifact your recording with clicking or echoing sounds.

   The video appears to be heavily artifacted.

artifact

/ ˈɑːtɪˌfækt /

noun

1. a variant spelling of artefact

artifact

/ är′tə-făkt′ /

1. An object produced or shaped by human craft, especially a tool, weapon, or ornament of archaeological or historical interest.
2. An artificial product or effect observed in a natural system, especially one introduced by the technology used in scientific investigation or by experimental error.

Other Words From

• ar·ti·fac·tu·al [ahr-t, uh, -, fak, -choo-, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of artifact¹

First recorded in 1815–25; variant of artefact (a spelling first recorded in 1625–50 ) from Latin phrase arte factum “(something) made with skill.” See art ¹, fact

Example Sentences

The voice emanates from the artifact labeled “26,” a statue of Dahomey’s King Ghézo.

From Los Angeles Times

But mostly, Onuorah emphasized that of all her films, "This film means the world to me. it's a portrait of resilience and a timeless artifact to remind women of their true inner power."

From Salon

“We’ve stitched together projects already in the works: rail lines, walking trails, protected bus and bike lanes,” said Christopher Torres, a principal at Agency Artifact, an urban design studio in Los Angeles that has developed the idea.

From Slate

He said the explosion being seen in California is partly the result of rapaciousness of the virus, but also an artifact of the state’s efforts to test every herd within 6 miles of an infected herd, as well as any herd that has an epidemiological tie with one that’s been infected — shared personnel, equipment or veterinarians, for example.

From Los Angeles Times

These overlays preserved the integrity of the original diorama as an artifact and opened up conversations about its political and racial history.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amount
• brand
• commodity
• crop
• device
• fruit
• merchandise
• output
• produce
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• stock
• work