I. noun
or ar·te·fact ˈär]d.ə̇ˌfakt, ˈȧ], ]tə̇-, -ēˌf- ; also ar·te·fac -ak\
( -s )
Etymology: artifact alteration (probably influenced by artifice ) of artefact, from Latin arte by skill (abl. of art-, ars skill) + factum something done, from neuter of factus, past participle of facere to do, make; artefac alteration of artefact — more at arm , do
1. : a usually simple object (as a tool or ornament) showing human workmanship or modification as distinguished from a natural object
2.
a. : a product of artificial character due to extraneous (as human) agency ; specifically : an appearance in a fixed tissue or cell held in microscopy to be an inconstant product of manipulation or reagents and not indicative of actual structural relationships
b. : an electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic wave that arises from sources other than the heart or brain
II. noun
: something characteristic of or resulting from a particular human institution, period, trend, or individual
the vast Hollywood system … that produced so many artifacts that are still resonant for us — Elizabeth Kendall
self-consciousness … turns out to be an artifact of our education system — Times Literary Supplement