Vestiges: meaning, definitions and examples

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vestiges

[ ˈvɛstɪdʒɪz ]

^{Context #1}

in archaeology

Small remaining traces, marks, or signs of something that existed or has now disappeared.

Synonyms

remains, remnants, traces

Examples of usage

The ancient ruins are the only vestiges of the lost city.
She carefully examined the vestiges of the pottery to determine its age.

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in biology

A degenerate or imperfectly developed structure or organ that has little or no function.

Synonyms

relic, remnant, trace

Examples of usage

The appendix is considered a vestigial organ in humans.
The wings of flightless birds are vestiges of their ancestors' ability to fly.

Translations

Translations of the word "vestiges" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vestígios

🇮🇳 अवशेष

🇩🇪 Überreste

🇮🇩 jejak

🇺🇦 залишки

🇵🇱 pozostałości

🇯🇵 痕跡

🇫🇷 vestiges

🇪🇸 vestigios

🇹🇷 kalıntılar

🇰🇷 잔재

🇸🇦 آثار

🇨🇿 pozůstatky

🇸🇰 pozostatky

🇨🇳 遗迹

🇸🇮 ostanki

🇮🇸 leifar

🇰🇿 қалдықтар

🇬🇪 ნაშთები

🇦🇿 qalıqlar

🇲🇽 vestigios

Word origin

The word 'vestiges' comes from the Latin word 'vestigium', meaning 'footprint' or 'trace'. It was first used in English in the early 17th century. The concept of vestiges has been significant in various fields such as archaeology, biology, and history, highlighting the remnants or traces of the past that provide insight into evolution and development.