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Term

vestigial adj

Vestigial means remaining as a small, underdeveloped, or nonfunctional trace of something that was once larger or useful. Explore the term's definition, IPA/phonetic pronunciation, and usage examples.

Definition of vestigial

  • remaining as a small, underdeveloped, or nonfunctional trace of something that was once larger or useful

Usage examples of vestigial

The whale's vestigial pelvic bones hint at its land-dwelling ancestors.

The appendix is often described as a vestigial organ.

A vestigial wing remained beneath the insect's hardened shell.

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