English Dictionary

atavistic

/æt.əˈvɪs.tɪk/

adj

(biology) Of the recurrence of a trait reappearing after an absence of one or more generations due to a chance recombination of genes. / Of a throwback or exhibiting primitivism.

He displayed an atavistic behavior when confronted with danger.

意味（1）

(biology) Of the recurrence of a trait reappearing after an absence of one or more generations due to a chance recombination of genes.

Although the heterozygote gives it an atavistic appearance, the gene is not atavistic.

意味（2）

Of a throwback or exhibiting primitivism.

They made me feel that I was alive in the nineteenth century, a sort of atavistic remnant, a romantic shred […]

意味（3）

Relating to earlier, more primitive behavior that returns after an absence.