reversion
UK: rɪˈvɜːʃən | US: rɪˈvɜːrʒən
n. 1. The act or process of returning to a former state or condition.
n. 2. (Law) The right of future possession or ownership of property.
n. 3. (Biology) A return to an earlier or less advanced characteristic.
The word "reversion" traces back to Latin reversio, from revertere ("to turn back"). The morpheme re- (meaning "back") combines with vers (from vertere, "to turn"), reflecting the core idea of "turning backward." The suffix -ion nominalizes the action, forming a term for the process or result of reverting. This logical progression—from physical turning to abstract return—appears in legal, biological, and general usage.
The reversion to manual processes slowed productivity.
The property will pass to the heir upon reversion.
Some species exhibit reversion to primitive traits under stress.
The policy change marked a reversion to outdated practices.
Genetic reversion can restore a mutant gene to its original function.