First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1relict
noun rel·ict \ˈre-likt\
Definition of RELICT
1
: widow
2
: a surviving species of an otherwise extinct group of organisms; also : a remnant of a formerly widespread species that persists in an isolated area
3
a : a relief feature or rock remaining after other parts have disappeared b : something left unchanged
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Origin of RELICT
in sense 1, from Middle English relicte, from Late Latin relicta, from Latin, feminine of relictus, past participle of relinquere; in senses 2 & 3, from relict residual, adjective, from Latin relictus
2relict
adjective
Definition of RELICT
: of, relating to, or being a relict <relict populations>
First Known Use of RELICT
15th century
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