facsimile

noun

fac·​sim·​i·​le fak-ˈsi-mə-lē 

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

Did you know?

The facsimile machine (or fax machine) has long been an office staple, but its name is much, much older. Fac simile is a Latin phrase meaning “make alike.” English speakers began using facsimile to mean “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 fairly close but not exact.) 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.

Synonyms

• alter ego
• carbon
• carbon copy
• clone
• counterpart
• doppelgänger
• doppelganger
• double
• duplicate
• duplication
• fetch
• image
• likeness
• look-alike
• match
• mirror image
• picture
• replica
• ringer
• spit
• spitting image
• twin

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

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

These would suck as $50 mall watches, let alone as a facsimile of luxury watchmaking. —Alistair Charlton, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024

Dreaming of a way to change her life but too scared to apply for the management training program, Angie is a facsimile of Melissa from a few months ago. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024

So in a way, the podcast has become a wonderful facsimile of the football pub (minus the drink and the queue for the toilets). —The Athletic Staff, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024

Ironically, our new lioness recruitment episode takes us back to Iraq (or a facsimile of Iraq, only distinguishable from the faux-Mexico of the first episode via a slight change in sepia tone saturation) but just long enough to ensure their prospective asset into the program. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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.")

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing facsimile

• reasonable facsimile

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Kids Definition

facsimile

noun

fac·​sim·​i·​le fak-ˈsim-ə-lē 

1

: an exact copy

2

: a system of transmitting and reproducing printed matter or pictures by means of signals sent over telephone lines