Atavism
Definition
A biological phenomenon consisting of the reappearance in an organism of particular morphological or functional traits that have not manifested for several generations, but existed in its remote ancestors. Figuratively or psychologically, the term denotes the survival or resurrection of primitive habits, mentalities, instincts, or manifestations in the behavior of civilized humans or within the structure of a modern society.
Bilingual Equivalents
- Atavism
- Evolutionary throwback
Grammatical & Source Details
| Inflection Type | Neuter noun, with regular plural and genitive case variations. |
| Formation | Neologistic borrowing from French 'atavisme', structurally based on the Latin 'atavus' (ancestor). |
| Spelling / Pronunciation | [a.ta.ˈvism] |
| Source | Lexicon of Evolutionary Theories, Genetics, and Cultural Anthropology |
Contextual Usage Examples
RO: Prezența unei cozi vestigiale la nașterea acelui mamifer a fost clasificată de biologi drept un caz clasic de atavism.
EN: The presence of a vestigial tail at the birth of that mammal was classified by biologists as a classic case of atavism.
RO: Sociologul afirmă că izbucnirile violente ale mulțimii reprezintă un atavism cultural greu de eradicat în comunitățile izolate.
EN: The sociologist claims that the crowd's violent outbursts represent a cultural atavism that is difficult to eradicate in isolated communities.
RO: Studiul genetic a demonstrat că acest atavism se datorează reactivării accidentale a unor gene recesive latente.
EN: The genetic study demonstrated that this atavism is due to the accidental reactivation of latent recessive genes.
Idioms & Phrases
Atavism biologic / Biological atavism / genetic throwback
RO: Reapariția concretă a unei anomalii anatomice sau fizice care corespunde unei etape anterioare din evoluția speciei respective.
EN: The concrete reappearance of an anatomical or physical anomaly corresponding to an earlier stage in the evolution of that species.
Atavism cultural / Cultural atavism / social throwback
RO: Persistența sau revenirea neașteptată a unor obiceiuri sau superstiții barbare în cadrul unei civilizații avansate din punct de vedere tehnologic.
EN: The persistence or unexpected return of barbaric customs or superstitions within a technologically advanced civilization.
Atavism psihologic / Psychological atavism
RO: Manifestare bruscă a unor tipare de comportament arhaice sau defensive, declanșate de frici adânc înrădăcinate în subconștient.
EN: A sudden manifestation of archaic or defensive behavioral patterns, triggered by deeply rooted subconscious fears.
Latest Contextual News
No recent news found for this topic.