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
mischiefa specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent
ogleto glance with amorous invitation or challenge
feuda mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterate (see inveterate
alacritypromptness in response : cheerful readiness
abscissionthe act or process of cutting off : removal
tarnishto dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : soil
incongruitythe quality or state of being incongruous
bereavementthe state or fact of being bereaved or deprived of something or someone
incendiaryigniting combustible materials spontaneously
waylayto lie in wait for or attack (someone) from ambush