SKIP TO CONTENT

atavist

Other forms: atavists

Definitions of atavist
  1. noun
    an organism that has the characteristics of a more primitive type of that organism
    synonyms: throwback
    see moresee less
    type of:
    being, organism
    a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘atavist'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family