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facsimile

noun
fac·​sim·​i·​le | \ fak-ˈsi-mÉ™-lÄ“ How to pronounce facsimile (audio) \

Definition of facsimile

1 : an exact copy A facsimile of the world's first computer was exhibited at the museum.
2 : a system of transmitting and reproducing graphic matter (such as printing or still pictures) by means of signals sent over telephone lines
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about facsimile

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Choose the Right Synonym for facsimile

reproduction, duplicate, copy, facsimile, replica mean a thing made to closely resemble another. reproduction implies an exact or close imitation of an existing thing. reproductions from the museum's furniture collection duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing. a duplicate of a house key copy applies especially to one of a number of things reproduced mechanically. printed 1000 copies of the lithograph facsimile suggests a close reproduction often of graphic matter that may differ in scale. a facsimile of a rare book replica implies the exact reproduction of a particular item in all details a replica of the Mayflower but not always in the same scale. miniature replicas of classic cars

Did You Know?

The facsimile machine (or fax machine) has been a staple of the modern office for a while now, and its name is much, much older. Fac simile is a Latin phrase meaning "make similar." English speakers began using facsimile as a noun meaning "an exact copy" in the late 1600s. In this sense, a facsimile might be a handwritten or hand drawn copy, or even a copy of a painting or statue. (Today, we also use the phrase "a reasonable facsimile" for a copy that is not exact but fairly close.) In the 1800s, people developed facsimile technology that could reproduce printed material via telegraph. Now, of course, we use telephone lines or wireless technology, and we usually call the resulting facsimile a fax.

Examples of facsimile in a Sentence

A facsimile of the world's first computer was exhibited in the museum. the family resemblance is so strong that the boy is virtually a pint-size facsimile of his father

Recent Examples on the Web

 In the middle of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino convention hall in Las Vegas, amid workshops on cryptography and digital defense, a hospital will soon be humming with activity—or at least a pretty good facsimile of one. — Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, "A Model Hospital Where the Devices Get Hacked—on Purpose," 6 Aug. 2019 Would a digital facsimile of a person’s consciousness count as a new person? — David Sims, The Atlantic, "Black Mirror: ‘Rachel, Jack, and Ashley Too’ Is a Fascinating Jumble," 5 June 2019 Apart from the incorporeal fence through which my virtual car glides, the experience is a compelling facsimile of the world. — Alex Davies, WIRED, "How It Feels to Drive—and Crash—the First-Ever Mid-Engine Corvette," 18 July 2019 The 180-page book, which will be published on October 9, will include facsimiles of Proust’s original pages. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Nine Newly Discovered Proust Stories to Be Published," 6 Aug. 2019 No such facsimiles for Mauer, who made his softball debut at age 36. — John Shipley, Twin Cities, "John Shipley: For one fun night in St. Paul, Joe Mauer was a rookie," 22 July 2019 The venue featured a pale facsimile -- ripped off by a local design institute -- of the firm's plans for a striking conservatory filled with lush biomes, recalled Ralph Hawkins, HKS' chairman emeritus. 2. — Dallas News, "Castro rises in poll, outrage over Texas immigration detention centers grows, new Dallas voting plan," 4 July 2019 The facility near Angel Stadium houses facsimiles of eight fighter jet cockpits and one Boeing 737. — Bradley Zint, latimes.com, "Become a pilot for a day at Anaheim’s Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center," 3 July 2019 With each episode, there is a clear goal in mind: this test kitchen employee will bake a gourmet facsimile of a Twinkie, for example. — Daniel Wolfe, Quartz at Work, "Bon Appétit’s Gourmet Makes is a great way to learn how to be productive at work," 27 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'facsimile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of facsimile

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for facsimile

from the Latin phrase fac simile "make alike," from fac, singular imperative of facere "to make, do, perform" + simile, neuter of similis "like, similar" — more at fact, same entry 1

Note: The phrase fac simile was well-known from its occurrence in one of the Distichs of Cato, a collection of proverbial wisdom (3rd-4th centuries A.D.) commonly used as a Latin textbook from the Middle Ages into the 18th century (though its meaning in the distich is different): "Qui simulat verbis, nec corde est fidus amicus, tu quoque fac simile—sic ars deluditur arte." ("If someone makes a pretense in speech and is not a true friend, you do likewise as well—and so art will be duped by art.")

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More Definitions for facsimile

facsimile

noun
How to pronounce facsimile (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of facsimile

: an exact copy

See the full definition for facsimile in the English Language Learners Dictionary

facsimile

noun
fac·​sim·​i·​le | \ fak-ˈsi-mÉ™-lÄ“ How to pronounce facsimile (audio) \
plural facsimiles

Kids Definition of facsimile

1 : an exact copy
2 : a system of sending and reproducing printed matter or pictures by means of signals sent over telephone lines

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More from Merriam-Webster on facsimile

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for facsimile

Spanish Central: Translation of facsimile

Nglish: Translation of facsimile for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about facsimile

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