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
defrockto deprive of the right to exercise the functions of office
piqueto excite or arouse especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff
fronda large leaf (especially of a palm or fern) usually with many divisions
pacifyto allay the anger or agitation of : soothe
edicta proclamation having the force of law
pertsaucily free and forward : flippantly cocky and assured
colloquyconversation
flippantlacking proper respect or seriousness
friskto search (a person) for something (such as a concealed weapon) by running the hand rapidly over the clothing and through the pockets
figurativerepresenting by a figure or resemblance : emblematic