What is a Facsimile? Definition, Uses, and Examples

A facsimile (short for "fax") is a copy of a document or image that is made by photocopying or scanning it, so that the resulting copy looks like the original. The term can also refer to the act of making such a copy.
Facsimiles are often used in legal and historical contexts, where the original document is too valuable or fragile to be handled extensively, but a copy is needed for reference or distribution. In these cases, a facsimile can serve as a reliable and accurate representation of the original document.
Facsimiles can be created using various technologies, such as photocopying, scanning, or digital printing. The resulting copies may be in the form of paper documents, digital images, or even 3D models, depending on the nature of the original document and the desired output.
The term "facsimile" is derived from the Latin words "fac simile," which mean "make similar." It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe copies made by hand or with the aid of technology. Today, facsimiles are commonly used in a wide range of fields, including law, history, art, and archaeology.