Definition of Atavistic

suggesting the reappearance of traits or characteristics of an ancestor or primitive object

Examples of Atavistic in a sentence

Not surprisingly, Jake was an atavistic alcoholic like his father.  🔊

The bird’s unusually large beak was an atavistic mutation that had previously only been seen in primitive bird species.  🔊

In the early 1900s, the two families decided to stop the atavistic war their ancestors had started half a century ago.  🔊

The young software engineer found it difficult to unravel the atavistic code written in an outdated programming language.  🔊

While the new laptop has a few atavistic features of its predecessor, it also has new elements such as an improved central processing unit.  🔊

The smell of the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies triggered atavistic memories of my youth.  🔊

Can you believe the defense attorney claimed his racist client was not guilty because of an atavistic trait that made him predisposed to hate?  🔊

The dog made an atavistic scream that sounded much like the howl of its wolf-like ancestor.  🔊

Under the dark moon, the voodoo princess conducted an atavistic rite of tribute that had been taught to her by her great grandmother.  🔊

Although the tiger seemed subdued as it followed its trainer’s commands, it never lost its atavistic urge to kill.  🔊

Other words in the History category:

Most Searched Words (with Video)