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atavism

The correct spelling is atavism.

How to pronounce atavism

noun

IPA: /ˈætəˌvɪzəm/

Say it like: Ata-vis-m

The correct spelling is atavism. The reappearance of an ancestral characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence.

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Definition

noun

  1. 1.The reappearance of an ancestral characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence.
  2. 2.The recurrence or reversion to a past behaviour, method, characteristic or style after a long period of absence.
  3. 3.Reversion to past primitive behavior, especially violence.

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