atavism

One entry found for atavism.

Main Entry: at·a·vism
Pronunciation: 'a-t&-"vi-z&m
Function: noun
Etymology: French atavisme, from Latin atavus ancestor, from at- (probably akin to atta daddy) + avus grandfather -- more at UNCLE
1 a : recurrence in an organism of a trait or character typical of an ancestral form and usually due to genetic recombination b : recurrence of or reversion to a past style, manner, outlook, approach, or activity <architectural atavism>
2 : one that manifests atavism : THROWBACK
- at·a·vis·tic /"a-t&-'vis-tik/ adjective
- at·a·vis·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb