The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

artifact

IPA:

Dictionary definition of artifact

An object made or modified by human hands, typically with historical, cultural, or archaeological significance.
"The museum displayed a collection of ancient artifacts from various civilizations."

Detailed meaning of artifact

It can include tools, pottery, weapons, artwork, and other items created by past civilizations or societies. In this sense, artifacts provide valuable insights into the practices, beliefs, and lifestyles of ancient cultures and are often preserved and studied by archaeologists. Secondly, artifact can denote a feature or anomaly that arises during the process of data collection, manipulation, or analysis in scientific or technological fields. These artifacts can be unwanted distortions or inconsistencies that arise due to limitations in measurement techniques, experimental conditions, or data processing methods. In this context, artifact refers to an unintended alteration or distortion in the data or results. Additionally, artifact can describe a product or result that is not naturally occurring but is created as a result of human intervention or experimental manipulation. It signifies an artificial element introduced intentionally to produce a specific effect or outcome. Overall, artifact conveys the notions of a cultural or historical object, an unintended distortion in data, and an intentionally created element depending on the specific context in which it is used.

Example sentences containing artifact

1. The ancient artifact revealed intricate carvings of forgotten civilizations.
2. The museum displayed an impressive artifact collection.
3. Archaeologists unearthed a well-preserved artifact from the 14th century.
4. The artifact's origins remained a mystery for centuries.
5. Scholars studied the artifact to decipher its historical context.
6. The artifact's delicate craftsmanship astounded art enthusiasts.

History and etymology of artifact

The noun 'artifact' has a rich etymological history that can be traced back to the Latin words 'artis,' meaning 'skill' or 'craft,' and 'factum,' which means 'thing made' or 'deed done.' In Latin, 'artefactum' or 'artefactus' referred to something skillfully made or crafted by human hands. As the term evolved through Old French and Middle English, it retained its association with objects created or modified by human skill and effort. 'Artifact' typically denotes items of historical, cultural, or archaeological significance, often providing valuable insights into the past. This etymology highlights the intrinsic connection between human craftsmanship and the preservation of our cultural heritage through the objects we create and leave behind.

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Further usage examples of artifact

1. The artifact's value lay not only in its beauty but also in its history.
2. Researchers debated the significance of the newly discovered artifact.
3. The artifact provided a glimpse into the daily life of ancient people.
4. Conservationists worked tirelessly to preserve the fragile artifact.
5. The artifact's intricate design reflected the culture of its time.
6. The artifact's authenticity was confirmed through careful analysis.
7. This artifact served as a symbol of a bygone era.
8. Historians marveled at the well-preserved artifact's condition.
9. The artifact's presence in the museum drew countless visitors.
10. The artifact's age made it a valuable piece of human history.
11. Curators took great care in displaying the fragile artifact.
12. The artifact's discovery shed light on a forgotten civilization.
13. Restorers worked diligently to repair the damaged artifact.
14. The artifact's monetary value paled in comparison to its historical significance.
15. The archaeologist carefully unearthed the artifact from the excavation site.
16. The artifact provided valuable insights into the religious practices of the ancient civilization.
17. The researcher discovered an unexpected artifact during the data analysis phase.
18. The team studied the artifacts to gain a better understanding of the region's history.
19. The artifact exhibited intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.
20. The scientist identified the artifact as a key piece of evidence in the investigation.
21. The artifact was carefully preserved in a temperature-controlled environment.
22. The artifact's preservation allowed future generations to learn about the past.
23. The digital image showed some artifacts caused by compression during data transfer.
24. The artist created a unique artifact using unconventional materials.
25. The artifact held cultural significance and was used in religious ceremonies.