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Definition artefact in British English

artefact noun

[countable] noun
/ˈɑː(r)tɪˌfækt/
1

an object that was made a long time ago and is historically important, for example a tool or weapon

Synonyms and related words
2

something observed in a scientific investigation or experiment that is not naturally present but occurs as a result of the experiment itself

Example

Diffraction patterns produced by an x-ray telescope are an artefact of the focussing of x-rays into an image.

3

something that is an unintended consequence of something else

Example

The Indian growth story is not an artefact of good times; it can survive bad times as well.

Definition artefact in British English