Vestigial

/vɛˈstɪdʒ.i.əl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Relating to a body part that is no longer functioning as it once did or is reduced in size and function.

The human appendix is often considered a vestigial organ, as it has lost its original digestive function over time.

Remaining as a vestige; a trace or remnant of something that was once more prominent or functional.

The vestigial wings of certain flightless birds are evidence of their evolutionary past.

Describing features or traits that are diminished or rudimentary compared to more developed forms in related organisms.

Some species exhibit vestigial structures that hint at their evolutionary lineage, such as the hind limbs in snakes.

From Latin 'vestigialis', meaning 'of or pertaining to a track' or 'footprint'.

vestigial tail

A tail that has no function or is greatly reduced in size.

vestigial remains

Remnants of an organ or structure that has lost its original function.

vestige

A trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.

atrophy

The wasting away or decrease in size of an organ or tissue.

rudimentary

Consisting in first principles; elementary; of or relating to basic or fundamental skills.

Used to describe something outdated or obsolete.

That old phone is just a vestigial version of real smartphones.

Referring to a feature that was once useful but no longer serves a purpose.

His ability to code in that language is somewhat vestigial in the world of modern software development.