Use-wear analysis is a term that refers to a scientific method of studying the wear and tear of objects to deduce how they were used. This analysis can provide insight into the activities of past societies and cultures. Synonyms for use-wear analysis include functional analysis, wear-trace analysis, and use-impact analysis. Each of these terms describes the same process of examining the patterns of wear and damage on artifacts to understand how they were used in the past. Use-wear analysis has become an essential tool in archaeology, anthropology, and material science, enabling researchers to better understand our ancestors and uncover the mysteries of history.