Main Entry: at·a·vism

Pronunciation: \ˈa-tə-ˌvi-zəm\

Function: noun

Etymology: French atavisme, from Latin atavus ancestor, from at- (probably akin to atta daddy) + avus grandfather — more at uncle

Date: 1833

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 \ˌa-tə-ˈvis-tik\ adjective

— at·a·vis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb