Spanish word

artefacto

Pronunciation

IPA/aɾteˈfakto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounartifact

Example

Encontraron un artefacto de cerámica en la excavación.

A ceramic artifact was found during the excavation.

Illustration for artefacto (artifact)

More examples

La policía desactivó un artefacto explosivo en la estación.

The police defused an explosive device at the station.

Core concept

An intentionally produced item used for practical or manufactured purposes.

Common phrases

  • artefacto explosivo

    explosive device

  • artefacto sospechoso

    suspicious object

Similar words

objeto: Tangible item with a definite shape or form that can be perceived by touch or sight.
aparato: Mechanical or electronic device built to perform a specific function.

Definition in Spanish

Objeto artificial producido por manos humanas o por herramientas, especialmente con una finalidad técnica o manufacturada.

Word origin

Derived from Latin arte 'skill' plus the past participle factus 'made', originally artefactum and later Spanish artefacto.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English where 'artifact' can also mean a data or imaging error, Spanish use focuses on physical objects, and for small or informal gadgets speakers often say aparatito or chisme.

Opposites

  • objeto naturalnatural objectnoun

Word lists with this word