artificer
|ar-ti-fi-cer|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑɹtɪfəsɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːtɪfɪsə/
skilled maker
Etymology
'artificer' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'artificium', where 'ars/art-' meant 'skill, art' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.
'artificium' passed into Old French as 'artifice'/'artificier' and into Middle English as 'artificer', eventually becoming the modern English word 'artificer'.
Initially it meant 'one who makes by skill' (a maker or craftsman), and over time it has retained that core sense while also extending to 'inventor' or specialized makers (including archaic military roles and modern fantasy usages).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a skilled craftsperson; an artisan who makes or repairs things by hand.
The artificer restored the antique clock to working order.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a person who invents or devises devices or contrivances; a contriver or inventor.
She was an artificer of ingenious mechanical toys.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
(Archaic/historical) A craftsman employed to make military engines, weapons, or technical equipment.
Medieval records mention artificers who built siege engines for the army.
Synonyms
Noun 4
in fantasy or gaming contexts, a maker of magical items or a specialist who enchants or crafts magical devices.
The party hired an artificer to imbue their weapons with enchantments.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/24 02:02