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atavism

n.

1. the presence of a genetic trait inherited from a remote ancestor that did not appear in more recent ancestors, that is, a reversion to an earlier type.

2. more generally, the reappearance of or reversion to an earlier or more primitive characteristic or form (e.g., behavioral atavism). See criminal anthropology. —atavistic adj.

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Psychology term of the day

November 23rd 2024

opinion leader

opinion leader

an individual to whom others turn for advice or on whom others model their behavior. To be effective, the opinion leader needs to have social ties with other members of the group.