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Definition of Atavistic
1. Adjective. Characteristic of an atavist.
Definition of Atavistic
1. Adjective. (biology) of the recurrence of a trait reappearing after an absence of one or more generations due to a chance recombination of genes. ¹
2. Adjective. of a throwback or exhibiting primitivism. ¹
3. Adjective. relating to earlier, more primitive behavior that returns after an absence. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Atavistic
1. [adj]
Medical Definition of Atavistic
1. Relating to atavism. (05 Mar 2000)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Atavistic
Literary usage of Atavistic
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Modern Theories of Criminality by Constancio Bernaldo de Quirós, Alfonso de Salvio (1911)
"And now we will examine the different anthropological tendencies according to
the proposed classification. Section 10. (a) atavistic Theories. ..."
2. Out of Their Own Mouths: Utterances of German Rulers, Statesmen, Savants by William Roscoe Thayer (1917)
"German plans and "atavistic instincts" Professor Wilhelm Ostwald, one of the most
active agents of German propaganda in Sweden, gave to the Stockholm ..."
3. Criminal Sociology by Enrico Ferri, William West Smithers, Joseph Ignatius Kelly, John Lisle (1917)
"Exaggerations of the doubt in favor of the accused ("in dubio fro reo ") in forms
of atavistic criminality. Revision of the trial. Pardons and amnesties. ..."
4. Origin of Mental Species: An Investigation Into the Original Growth by Henry James Derbyshire (1919)
"... of education and growth—Science and apocalyptical vision—Intelligence of nature
vs. intelligence about nature—atavistic tendencies —The periodic law. ..."
5. The Divine Pedigree of Man, Or, The Testimony of Evolution and Psychology to by Thomson Jay Hudson (1899)
"... and the People the most Patriotic and Brave and Warlike and Humane. — Progress
toward Universal Altruism Constant and Rapid. — atavistic and Degenerate ..."