vestigial

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   not fully developed in mature animals

   The coccyx is part of the vestigial tail in humans.

2. 2
   adj

   relating to previous functionality or form

   I removed the vestigial traces of the apartment's previous tenants.

3. 3
   adj

   Of a vestigial structure; that has lost all or most of its original function in the course of evolution.

   Remnants of the vascular supply of lost organs may be present in the tissues of the receptacle when all external evidence of the organs has disappeared. Only rarely does the vascular supply of a vestigial organ disappear while external remnants are still present.

4. 4
   adj

   Of or pertaining to a vestige or remnant; like a trace from the past.

5. 5
   adj

   Not fully developed in mature animals.

6. 6
   noun

   A small, degenerate, or imperfectly developed part or organ which has been more fully developed in some past generation.

Etymology

From Latin vestīgium + -al. By surface analysis, vestige + -ial.