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
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| vendetta | blood feud |
| subpoena | a writ commanding a person designated in it to appear in court under a penalty for failure |
| smelt | any of a family (Osmeridae) of small bony fishes that closely resemble the trouts in general structure, live along coasts and ascend rivers to spawn or are landlocked, and have delicate oily flesh with a distinctive odor and taste |
| extant | currently or actually existing |
| ludicrous | amusing or laughable through obvious absurdity, incongruity, exaggeration, or eccentricity |
| leaven | a substance (such as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid |
| epitome | a typical or ideal example : embodiment |
| wily | full of wiles : crafty |
| temerity | unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition : rashness |
| woe | a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief |