adverb
- in a way that exists only as a trace or remnant of something that once was larger or more developed
Usage: often used in biological or evolutionary contexts
Examples
- The human appendix functions only vestigially in modern digestion.
- Wings are present vestigially in flightless birds like ostriches.
- The old customs survive vestigially in rural communities.
- Tail bones exist vestigially in humans as remnants of our evolutionary past.
- The ancient language persists vestigially in a few ceremonial phrases.
- These muscles are developed only vestigially in most people.