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
forthrightfree from ambiguity or evasiveness : going straight to the point
tightwada close or miserly person
swipea strong sweeping blow
insomniaprolonged and usually abnormal inability to get enough sleep especially due to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
studiedcarefully considered or prepared : thoughtful
ordinancean authoritative decree or direction : order
phariseea member of a Jewish sect of the intertestamental period noted for strict observance of rites and ceremonies of the written law and for insistence on the validity of their own oral traditions concerning the law
factotuma person having many diverse activities or responsibilities
analogoussimilar or comparable to something else either in general or in some specific detail
frockan outer garment worn by monks and friars : habit