Which term is used to describe materials that are artificially made rather than naturally sourced?

The term that describes materials which are artificially made rather than naturally sourced is "synthetic." Synthetic materials are often created through chemical processes and can be engineered to have specific properties that may not occur in natural materials. Examples include plastics, nylon, and various types of textiles, which are all designed to fulfill particular functions or characteristics that are advantageous in various applications.

In contrast, terms like "natural" and "organic" refer to materials derived from living organisms or found in nature without human intervention. "Biodegradable" addresses the environmental impact and refers to materials that can break down through biological processes, but does not specifically indicate whether a material is synthetic or natural. Thus, the distinction of "synthetic" accurately captures the essence of materials being artificially produced.