atavist

A1T1A1V4I1S1T1

noun

A genetic characteristic emerging after an absence from several generations.

Similar
throwback
Scrabble 10
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Meanings

nounatavist (plural atavists)

plural atavists

  1. A genetic characteristic emerging after an absence from several generations.
  2. A person of atavistic beliefs or habits.

Synonyms & antonyms

nounan organism that has the characteristics of a more primitive type of that organism

Similar
throwback
Broader
organismbeing
Also see
throwback

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Cite this entry
APA

atavist. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/atavist

MLA

“atavist.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/atavist. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “atavist,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/atavist.

Source: atavist on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.