vestigial
/vɛˈstɪdʒiəl/
adjective
- Relating to a body part or organ that is no longer fully developed or useful, but was present in an earlier stage of evolution.
- The human appendix is a vestigial organ that no longer helps with digestion.
- Whales have vestigial hip bones that show they evolved from land animals.
- Some snakes have vestigial leg bones hidden inside their bodies.
- Still existing but very small or not fully developed, like a leftover from something that used to be larger or more important.
- The company kept a vestigial customer service department, though most support was now online.
- In the modern city, a vestigial wall from the old fortress still stands in the park.
- His vestigial sense of duty made him attend the meeting, even though he no longer cared.
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