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
litotesunderstatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary (as in "not a bad singer" or "not unhappy")
insomniaprolonged and usually abnormal inability to get enough sleep especially due to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
verdantgreen in tint or color
dolorouscausing, marked by, or expressing misery or grief
triflinglacking in significance or solid worth: such as
engageto offer (something, such as one's life or word) as backing to a cause or aim : to expose to risk for the attainment or support of some end
repressto check by or as if by pressure : curb
adventitiouscoming from another source and not inherent or innate
canarda false or unfounded report or story
bellicosefavoring or inclined to start quarrels or wars