Associations to the word «Atavistic»

Wiktionary

ATAVISTIC, adjective. (biology) of the recurrence of a trait reappearing after an absence of one or more generations due to a chance recombination of genes.
ATAVISTIC, adjective. Of a throwback or exhibiting primitivism.
ATAVISTIC, adjective. Relating to earlier, more primitive behavior that returns after an absence.

Dictionary definition

ATAVISTIC, adjective. Characteristic of an atavist.

Wise words

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.
Mark Twain