| English Dictionary |
VESTIGIAL
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| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does vestigial mean?
• VESTIGIAL (adjective)
The adjective VESTIGIAL has 1 sense:
1. not fully developed in mature animals
Familiarity information: VESTIGIAL used as an adjective is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Not fully developed in mature animals
Synonyms:
rudimentary; vestigial
Context example:
rudimentary wings
Similar:
undeveloped (not developed, mature, or fully formulated)
Domain category:
biological science; biology (the science that studies living organisms)
Context examples
The findings have been confirmed by anatomical studies at Cambridge University, UK, showing that the part of the ear responsible for high-frequency hearing is vestigial in these species.
(Tiny Brazilian Frogs Deaf to Own Calls, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
Small tissue projection existing as a cecal diverticulum with a questionable history of vestigial versus specialized organ.
(Appendix, NCI Thesaurus)
Kimberley Whitehead said: Our findings have prompted us to wonder whether hiccups in adults, which appear to be mainly a nuisance, may in fact by a vestigial reflex, left over from infancy when it had an important function.
(Baby Hiccups Key to Brain Development, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
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