Antefact

/ˈæn.ti.fækt/ noun

Definition

An object or artifact that appears to be ancient but was made after the period when it claims to be from; a false or misleading artifact.

Etymology

From Latin 'ante' (before) + 'fact' (from Latin 'factum', made). Combines the prefix with 'fact' to denote something made to appear older than it is.

Kelly Says

Museums have discovered numerous antefacts—replicas made to fool collectors or tourists—and now employ high-tech dating methods like thermoluminescence to catch fakes that would have fooled archaeologists just decades ago.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.