Main Entry: ar·ti·fact

Variant(s): or chiefly British ar·te·fact \ˈärt-ə-ˌfakt\

Function: noun

1 : a product of artificial character due to extraneous (as human) agency ; specifically : a product or formation in a microscopic preparation of a fixed tissue or cell that is caused by manipulation or reagents and is not indicative of actual structural relationships
2 : an electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic wave that arises from sources other than the heart or brain

—ar·ti·fac·tu·al or chiefly British ar·te·fac·tu·al \ˌärt-ə-ˈfak-chə(-wə)l, -ˈfaksh-wəl\ adjective