artifact
noun (countable)
UK/ˈɑː.tɪ.fækt/US/ˈɑːr.tɪ.fækt/
In software development, a document or other work produced during the software development process.
Example Sentences
The project manager reviewed all the artifacts to ensure they met the requirements.
Version control systems help manage software artifacts throughout development.
Documentation is considered a critical artifact in the software development lifecycle.
They created several artifacts, including design diagrams and user manuals.
Automated tools can generate artifacts like build scripts and configuration files.
Each team member is responsible for maintaining their own set of artifacts.
The repository stores all the artifacts generated during the development process.
Proper management of artifacts is essential for successful project delivery.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A man-made item reflecting cultural, historical, or practical significance.“Artifact” most often refers to any object produced or modified by humans, particularly those that hold archaeological or historical importance. Think of ancient tools, pottery fragments, coins, statues, or even everyday items from bygone eras. Archaeologists unearth artifacts to glean insights into how past cultures lived, worked, and expressed themselves. Museums display such items, offering the public a tangible link to historical events or traditions.Beyond historical contexts, “artifact” can also appear in broader discussions—like digital artifacts in software or imaging, which are unintentional distortions or leftovers from processing or compression. Whether physical or virtual, the core notion is something shaped or influenced by human activity, bearing traces of its origin or function. When you say “artifact,” you underscore that this item carries informational or cultural value. In everyday speech, you might mention “family heirlooms as cherished artifacts” connecting you to heritage, or talk about “artifacts from early computing” that highlight tech evolution.
Alternatives
Depending on context, you might say “relic” if the object is ancient or sacred, though that can have religious overtones. “Historical object” or “cultural object” underlines its link to a specific time or society without suggesting sacredness. “Artefact,” with an ‘e,’ is an alternate British spelling. In technical or software contexts, “artifact” can also mean an unintended byproduct—like image artifacts in compressed photos—while “byproduct” or “residue” might serve as synonyms. Terms like “heirloom” emphasize personal or familial value, while “antique” highlights age and collectability. Each choice tunes the meaning to age, sacredness, or functional context, but “artifact” remains the standard for items bearing historical or cultural significance.
Writing
When referencing artifacts in historical or archaeological writing, detail the item’s origin, material, approximate age, and significance. For instance, “The ceramic artifact, dated to the 10th century, shows intricate geometric patterns typical of the region.” Such specifics help readers visualize its craftsmanship and cultural role. In a museum catalog or academic paper, you might address how the artifact was discovered, how it’s been preserved, or what it reveals about the people who used it.If you’re exploring artifacts metaphorically—like “remnants of a bygone policy” being “political artifacts”—explain how they linger in current practice, carrying historical influence. In software or IT, you could describe how a digital artifact emerges during data processing or highlight how “build artifacts” are generated during compilation. Clarifying context ensures your readers understand whether the artifact is a literal ancient object, an intangible byproduct, or a symbolic holdover in an evolving system.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “artifact” might appear when talking about museum visits—“We saw artifacts from ancient Egypt,” describing statues, jewelry, or scrolls. If you’re a history buff, you might show off a “cool artifact” you found at a flea market, like a vintage camera or an old map. If the talk turns techy, you could mention “image artifacts,” those odd distortions in low-resolution pics or streaming videos.You might also hear “artifact” used figuratively for something that’s a leftover from another era—like calling a company’s outdated policy an “artifact from the 90s.” Or maybe someone refers to a family heirloom—a teacup or locket—as a personal artifact that connects them to ancestors. In day-to-day discussions, “artifact” signals intrigue or a hint of history or significance behind an object, often prompting others to ask, “Where did that come from?” or “What’s the story behind it?”
Etymology
The word “artifact” springs from the Latin “arte factum,” meaning “something made with skill” (from “ars,” skill, and “facere,” to make). Initially, it denoted items crafted by people, a distinction from objects formed by natural processes. Over centuries, “artifact” became central in archaeology and anthropology, capturing any tool, ornament, or cultural object that reveals how humans lived or worked. In the 20th century, usage broadened beyond ancient contexts, covering modern or even digital items shaped by human intervention—like “software artifacts” or “cultural artifacts” from recent decades. Yet the Latin root reminder remains: these objects are the results of human hands or minds in action, preserving evidence of our creativity, needs, or society at particular moments in time.
