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
grumbleto mutter in discontent
waiveto relinquish (something, such as a legal right) voluntarily
reaperone that reaps
morbidof, relating to, or characteristic of disease
omnivorousfeeding on both animal and vegetable substances
casualtya military person lost through death, wounds, injury, sickness, internment, or capture or through being missing in action
startto move suddenly and violently : spring
purportto have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming (something implied or inferred)
florescencea state or period of flourishing
discursivemoving from topic to topic without order : rambling