atavism Definition
the reappearance of a characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence, usually caused by the chance recombination of genes.
Using atavism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "atavism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The appearance of wings on a flightless bird is an atavism.
Example
The child's red hair was an atavism from her great-grandmother.
Example
The extra toe on the cat was an atavism from its wild ancestors.
atavism Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with atavism
Example
The resurgence of nationalism in some countries can be seen as a cultural atavism.
the reappearance of a characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence, usually caused by the chance recombination of genes
Example
The appearance of wings on a flightless bird is an example of biological atavism.
the idea that some criminals are throwbacks to earlier, more primitive stages of human evolution
Example
The theory of criminal atavism has been largely discredited by modern criminologists.
Origins of atavism
from Latin 'atavus', meaning 'ancestor'
Summary: atavism in Brief
'Atavism' [ˈætəvɪzəm] refers to the reappearance of a characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence, usually caused by the chance recombination of genes. It can be seen in examples like the appearance of wings on a flightless bird or a child inheriting a trait from a great-grandparent. 'Atavism' extends into phrases like 'cultural atavism,' which describes a return to outdated cultural practices, and 'criminal atavism,' which suggests some criminals are throwbacks to earlier stages of human evolution.
