Definition of Vestigial

an organ or limb that is no longer in use due to evolution but may be used for other unintended purposes

Examples of Vestigial in a sentence

Penguins, unlike other birds, have vestigial wings that are too heavy for flight but are perfect for swimming.  🔊

Darwin believed that vestigial organs or organs that were no longer useful, were the result of evolution.  🔊

Wisdom teeth are vestigial because they have no purpose and are often too bulky for small human jaws and need to be removed.  🔊

The human appendix is a vestigial organ that has little to no function and be potentially life-threatening if it becomes infected.  🔊

The ostrich has vestigial wings that cannot be used in flight, but can increase speed when running and attract mates.  🔊

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