Definition of "atavistic" []

• Of the recurrence of a trait reappearing after an absence of one or more generations due to a chance recombination of genes. (adjective)
• Of a throwback or exhibiting primitivism. (adjective)
• Relating to earlier, more primitive behavior that returns after an absence. (adjective)

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• "Members of the audience actually gasped when Hayek referred to Socialism as 'atavistic' - the reversion to an older, more primitive form."
• "Maybe they're just being atavistic, which is generally part of the successful business person's act anyway."
• "But such cases are so infrequent that they may well be counted atavistic, that is, of the nature of a tendency to return to a previous merely animal condition."