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
recountto relate in detail : narrate
curmudgeona crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man
scrutinizeto examine closely and minutely
comportto be fitting : accord
luxuriantyielding abundantly : fertile
counterpartone of two corresponding copies of a legal instrument : duplicate
wringto squeeze or twist especially so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid
epitomea typical or ideal example : embodiment
derelictabandoned especially by the owner or occupant
hutan often small and temporary dwelling of simple construction : shack