adjective
- remaining as a trace or remnant of something that once existed but has largely disappeared or become functionless
Usage: often used in biology
Examples
- Humans have vestigial tailbones from our evolutionary ancestors.
- The appendix is considered a vestigial organ with no clear function.
- Whales have vestigial hip bones buried in their flesh.
- The old factory still has vestigial equipment from its manufacturing days.
- Some snakes retain vestigial leg bones despite being legless.
- The building’s vestigial clock tower no longer tells time.
- Cave fish often have vestigial eyes that cannot see.