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
forthrightfree from ambiguity or evasiveness : going straight to the point
flagrantconspicuously offensive
noveltysomething new or unusual
sibyllineany of several prophetesses usually accepted as 10 in number and credited to widely separate parts of the ancient world (such as Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, and Italy)
improprietyan improper or indecorous act or remark
cynosurethe northern constellation Ursa Minor
delusivelikely to delude
soarto fly aloft or about
mischiefa specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent
charlatanquack