Vestigial
/vɛˈstɪdʒ.i.əl/noun
Relating to a body part or organ that has lost most or all of its original function through evolution.
Did you know?The term 'vestigial' comes from the Latin word for 'footprint,' hinting at the traces of past functions still lingering in our bodies.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
vestigium
“a footprint or trace, a remnant of something once significant”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
vestigialis
“pertaining to footprints or remnants”
16th Century
English
vestigial
“describing something that is a remnant or trace of a previous existence”
19th Century
English
vestigial
“specifically used in biology to describe organs or structures that have lost their original function”
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