relic

/ˈrɛlɪk/

/ˈrɛlɪk/

Other forms: relics

A relic is a fragment from the past — one of Elvis's guitars, an ancient piece of pottery or even an outmoded way of thinking -– that remains behind. Your dad might love his old albums, but to you, they're just relics.

The noun relic is derived from relinquere, Latin for "to leave behind." A crumbling Roman wall is a relic of a once-great civilization. The superstition that seven years of bad luck will follow if you break a mirror may be a relic of the old superstition that a mirror can trap the souls of those reflected in it. Whether it's an object or an idea, a relic is a remnant of the past. Religious relics are items, such as Buddha’s tooth or St. Anne’s wrist bone, that have been preserved and venerated.

Definitions of relic

1. noun

   an antiquity that has survived from the distant past
   types:

   archeological remains

   a relic that has been excavated from the soil

   type of:

   antiquity

   an artifact surviving from the past
2. noun

   a revered object, especially a body part or belonging of a deceased holy person
   type of:

   object, physical object

   a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
3. noun

   something of sentimental value
   synonyms: keepsake, souvenir, token

   types:

   love-token

   keepsake given as a token of love

   favor, favour, party favor, party favour

   souvenir consisting of a small gift given to a guest at a party

   cracker, cracker bonbon, snapper

   a party favor consisting of a paper roll (usually containing candy or a small favor) that pops when pulled at both ends

   type of:

   object, physical object

   a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow