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artificio

artifice

noun ahr-tee-FEE-syoh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Origin: From Latin artificium (craft, skill).

Also means

device

Usage Note

Artificio can mean a clever device or contrivance (fuegos de artificio = fireworks) or cunning/trickery in an abstract sense. The phrase fuegos artificiales (fireworks) is more common in everyday speech, while artificio alone carries a slightly literary tone of deception or ingenuity.

Examples

"El mago usó un hábil artificio para sorprender al público."

Natural Translation

The magician used a clever artifice to surprise the audience.

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