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
tendto exhibit an inclination or tendency : conduce
divergeto move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart
genealogyan account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms
ineptgenerally incompetent : bungling
confidencea feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances
provincialthe superior of a province of a Roman Catholic religious order
retaliateto return like for like
redoubtablecausing fear or alarm : formidable
ineffableincapable of being expressed in words : indescribable
hurlrush