I. di-ˈfak-(ˌ)tō, dā-, dē- adverb
Etymology: Medieval Latin, literally, from the fact
Date: 1601
: in reality : actually
II. adjective
Date: circa 1689
1. : actual ; especially : being such in effect though not formally recognized
a de facto state of war
2. : exercising power as if legally constituted
a de facto government
3. : resulting from economic or social factors rather than from laws or actions of the state
de facto segregation