Meaning & Definition of word "Artifact"

Artifact

/ˈɑːrtɪfækt/

1. An object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.
- Example: The museum's exhibit featured an ancient artifact that was discovered in a buried temple.
2. A feature or item that is a product of human workmanship, which might be of interest in understanding a culture or profession.
- Example: Archaeologists uncovered various tools and pottery artifacts during their excavation.
3. A mistake or unintended effect in a digital or visual medium, often resulting from errors in technology or processing.
- Example: The video displayed an artifact, causing a distorted image during playback.
4. In computing, an object created during the development of software projects, such as a document, diagram, or prototype.
- Example: The team presented a software artifact that included the architectural design of the application.

From Latin 'arte factum', meaning 'made by art'

cultural artifact:

An object from a particular culture that has historical significance.

historical artifact:

An item made by humans that holds historical importance.

artifacts of the past:

Objects that provide insight into previous civilizations or cultures.

relic:

An object surviving from an earlier time, often of historical interest.

antiquity:

The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages.

artifice:

Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.

Meaning: An outdated or obsolete object no longer useful.

Example Sentence: That old smartphone is just an artifact of past technology.

Meaning: In gaming, refers to a high-value item or relic.

Example Sentence: That weapon is considered an artifact in the game; it’s very rare and powerful.