What is a Facsimile?
Last Update: August 9th, 2021
A facsimile is an exact copy of an item, often a document.
It is also another term for “fax.”
Defining “facsimile”
According to the Oxford Dictionaries, “facsimile” is defined as:
An exact copy, especially of written or printed material.
‘a facsimile of the manuscript’
and also as:
another term for fax‘She accepted the offer by return facsimile the same day.’
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
Usage
In the sense of a fax, facsimile is used rather interchangeably. It is often found in more formal language.
Synonyms
Top synonyms of “facsimile” according to Thesaurus.com are “likeness,” “photocopy,” and “replica.” These are all synonyms of the first definition for facsimile.
A facsimile can also be called a “fax,” “telefax,” “telefacsimile,” or “fax machine.”
Etymology (origin)
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word facsimile is derived from the Latin “fac simile” meaning “make similar.” with an origin of 1691.
The Oxford dictionaries list the origin of facsimile as a 16th-century word derived from the Latin “facre” (make) and simils (like).
Sources and more resources
- Wikipedia – Facsimile – Wikipedia’s entry on the word facsimile. It mentions the use of the word as “fax,” however, most of the focus is on the reproduction of art and manuscripts.
- The Oxford Dictionaries – Facsimile – Entry on the word facsimile. Includes definition, phrases, and origin of the word.
- Merriam Webster Dictionary – Facsimile – Entry on the word facsimile. Includes definition, examples in a sentence, odd facts, the origin of the word, and synonyms.
- Dictionary.com – Facsimile – Entry on the word facsimile. Includes use as a noun, verb, and an adjective.
- Collins Dictionary – Facsimile – Entry on the word facsimile. Includes definition, word origin, examples, and historical use of the word.
- Facsimile Finder – Definition of Facsimile: What is a Facsimile Edition – a blog entry on different types of facsimiles in regards to art and manuscripts.