atavist

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[2] Relating to old or established pattern; habitual, ingrained [3] (as a noun) an atavist is a genetic characteristic emerging after absence from several generations (see Wikipedia entry for a more detailed explanation).

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Definitions (2)

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  1. In biology, an organic being which exhibits atavism.

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Examples (7)

  • [2] Relating to old or established pattern; habitual, ingrained [3] (as a noun) an atavist is a genetic characteristic emerging after absence from several generations (see Wikipedia entry for a more detailed explanation). —  Griffin And Hoxie Mega Feed
  • These observations suggest that the primordial IMPDH used the Thr321 pathway exclusively, and elimination of the Arg418 pathway by mutation of modern IMPDH creates an enzymatic atavist. —  PLoS Biology: New Articles
  • But Jesse Helms was so rooted in his atavist traditions, he chose to remain true to his misogyny rather than pose for cameras with faux female golfing partners. —  NewsBusters.org - Exposing Liberal Media Bias
  • Of two hundred seeds one became a blue atavist, or rather vicinist, while all others remained true to the white type. —  Species and Varieties, Their Origin by Mutation
  • He could be an atavist, a victim of unconscious regression. —  Strange Alliance
 

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