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
promulgateto make (an idea, belief, etc.) known to many people by open declaration : proclaim
tenacitythe quality or state of being tenacious
sibyllineany of several prophetesses usually accepted as 10 in number and credited to widely separate parts of the ancient world (such as Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, and Italy)
noncommittalgiving no clear indication of attitude or feeling
beleaguerbesiege
osseousbony
sinecurean office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income
agapewide open : gaping
proprietythe quality or state of being proper or suitable : appropriateness
saunterto walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : stroll