vestigial
UK: vɛˈstɪdʒiəl | US: vɛˈstɪdʒiəl
adj. relating to a remnant or trace of something that was once more developed or functional
adj. (biology) describing an organ or structure that has lost most or all of its original function through evolution
vestigial = vestige<trace> + ial<adjective suffix>
- vestige: From Latin vestigium (footstep, trace), implying a lingering mark of something that once existed.
- ial: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating "relating to" or "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word vestigial originates from the Latin vestigium, meaning "footprint" or "trace." Over time, it evolved metaphorically to denote remnants of past existence, particularly in biology, where it describes organs (like the human appendix) that have lost their original function but remain as evolutionary "footprints." The suffix -ial standardizes it as an adjective, emphasizing its descriptive role in scientific and general contexts.
The wings of flightless birds are vestigial structures, no longer serving their original purpose.
Some snakes have vestigial limbs hidden beneath their skin, evidence of their evolutionary past.
The tiny bones in a whale’s flipper are vestigial remnants of its land-dwelling ancestors.
Linguists study vestigial words in modern languages to trace historical influences.
The appendix is often cited as a vestigial organ in humans.