vestigial

[US]/veˈstɪdʒiəl/
[UK]/veˈstɪdʒiəl/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. remaining in a degenerate or imperfect condition
Word Forms

Phrases & Collocations

vestigial organ

vestigial structure

vestigial trait

Example Sentences

the vestigial wings of kiwis are entirely hidden.

he felt a vestigial flicker of anger from last night.

Any of several small, slow-moving, nocturnal prosimian primates of the genera Loris and Nycticebus of tropical Asia, having dense woolly fur, large eyes, and a vestigial tail.

The vestigial tail of the cat serves no purpose.

The appendix is a vestigial organ in the human body.

Some people have vestigial muscles that no longer serve a function.

The wings of flightless birds are vestigial remnants of their ancestors' wings.

The vestigial eyes of blind cavefish are covered by skin and do not function.

The vestigial structures in whales provide evidence of their evolutionary history.

Humans have vestigial muscles in their ears that are remnants of muscles used by ancestors to move their ears.

The vestigial claws on a domestic cat are not used for hunting.

The vestigial tailbone in humans is a remnant of our evolutionary past.

Some snakes have vestigial hind limbs that show their evolutionary link to legged ancestors.

Real-world Examples

It doesn't have any slashing ability. It's basically a vestigial arm.

Source: Jurassic Fight Club

It's vestigial, meaning it no longer serves its original purpose.

Source: Bilingual Edition of TED-Ed Selected Speeches

Up to 85% of people have a vestigial muscle called the " palmaris longus."

Source: Bilingual Edition of TED-Ed Selected Speeches

We have a number of muscles in the body that have become largely vestigial.

Source: Connection Magazine

We have a muscle in the leg which has become largely vestigial.

Source: Connection Magazine

We have a number of muscles in the body that have become largely vestigial, they've shrunk.

Source: Connection Magazine

Because it was removable the appendix was thought to be vestigial, and worse, bad, because it can swell.

Source: Connection Magazine

There are several other vestigial structures like the plica semilunaris in the human body.

Source: Bilingual Edition of TED-Ed Selected Speeches

Unlike other vestigial structures, though, the appendix isn't always harmless — it can become dangerously inflamed.

Source: Bilingual Edition of TED-Ed Selected Speeches

A new St. Edward's Crown was created (possibly using vestigial materials from the original) for Charles II's coronation in 1661.

Source: Intermediate and advanced English short essay.

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