GRE Word List

ATAVISM

recurrence in an organism of a trait or character typical of an ancestral form and usually due to genetic recombination

The meaning of the word atavism is recurrence in an organism of a trait or character typical of an ancestral form and usually due to genetic recombination.

Random words

WordMeaning
denouementthe final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work
prelatean ecclesiastic (such as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank
sentinelsentry
invincibleincapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued
moodinesssubject to depression : gloomy
prattleprate
blurtto utter abruptly and impulsively
cornicethe molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition see column illustration
dowdynot neat or becoming in appearance : shabby
threshto separate seed from (a harvested plant) mechanically