Artificial, or synthetic, refers to materials or substances that are created through human processes rather than occurring naturally. These can include products like plastic, synthetic fibers, and artificial sweeteners, which are designed to mimic or enhance natural materials for various uses. The development of artificial products often aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or provide alternatives to natural resources. For example, synthetic rubber is used in tires, while artificial intelligence (AI) systems are designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving and decision-making.