artefacto
“artefacto” means “device” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
deviceAlso: gadget, appliance
📝 In Action
Este artefacto ayuda a limpiar el agua de forma natural.
B1This device helps to clean water naturally.
No sé cómo funciona este extraño artefacto de cocina.
B1I don't know how this strange kitchen gadget works.
Word Connections
explosive deviceAlso: bomb
📝 In Action
La policía encontró un artefacto explosivo en la calle.
B2The police found an explosive device in the street.
Word Connections
artifact
📝 In Action
Los arqueólogos descubrieron artefactos de piedra muy antiguos.
C1The archaeologists discovered very ancient stone artifacts.
Word Connections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: artefacto
Question 1 of 2
If a technician refers to a piece of machinery as an 'artefacto', what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology
From Latin 'arte' (by skill/art) and 'factus' (made). Essentially, it means 'something made with skill.'
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'artefacto' for my smartphone?
Yes, you can, though it sounds a bit technical or formal. Most people would use 'celular' or 'dispositivo' in casual conversation.
Does 'artefacto' always mean something old?
No! Unlike the English word 'artifact' which often implies something ancient, the Spanish 'artefacto' is frequently used for brand-new technology.