artificial
ar-tih-FISH-ul
/ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl/
Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, especially as a copy of something natural.
In food, 'artificial' usually refers to flavors or colors synthesized in a lab that mimic natural ones.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'artificium,' which means 'workmanship' or 'craftsmanship.' It originally meant something made with skill, but over time, it shifted to mean something 'fake' or 'not real' as opposed to nature's work.
Word relationships
- synthetic: Synthetic is more technical and refers to the chemical synthesis; artificial is a broader term for anything man-made.
- imitation: Imitation implies a lower-quality copy of the real thing.
- natural: Natural means existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind.
Word family
- artifice (noun): Clever or cunning devices or expedients.
- artificially (adverb): In a way that is not natural.
Collocations
- artificial flavor
- artificial sweetener
- artificial coloring
- artificial ingredients
Example sentences
- "Some studies suggest that certain artificial colors may affect children's behavior." The debate over food dyes.
- "Artificial vanilla is much cheaper to produce than the extract from real vanilla beans." Flavor chemistry.
Memory hook
It's an 'art' (human skill) to make something 'artificial'. Made by art, not nature.
When not to use
Don't use this for things that are natural but processed (like sugar); use it for things that are entirely man-made (like saccharin).
Fun facts
- The 'artificial' banana flavor used in candy is based on a variety of banana (the Gros Michel) that is now almost extinct.
Related words
Explore more words
synthetic, organic, Anthropogenic, artifice, engineered, flavorant
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