Vestigial
/veˈstɪdʒiəl/adjective
Small and unused part in something, which was larger and used in the past.
Our appendix is a vestigial organ that no longer serves any purpose for our body.
Often appears as...
- vestigial organ
- vestigial structure
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Size Implication
Vestigial often implies something was bigger or more important in the past.
The deserted shopping mall stands as a vestigial monument of consumerism.
Pro Tip 2/3Evolutionary Trace
Used in biology to describe parts that have declined in size and function.
Whales have vestigial leg bones, remnants of their walking ancestors.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Useless
Although usually non-functional, vestigial items can sometimes have new uses.
The pigeon's vestigial toes are used for balance rather than grasping.
Compare with
atrophyembryonicprimitiveresidualrudimentaryunderdevelopedundeveloped
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