Definitions

1. adjective

Relating to or resembling a vestige; having a part or feature that is small and unimportant but remains from a previous time or stage of development.

“Many humans still have vestigial muscles in their ears, which are a remnant of our ancestors’ ability to move their ears.”

2. noun

A feature or structure that is small and unimportant but remains from a previous time or stage of development.

“The vestigial tail of the whale is a reminder of its land-dwelling ancestors.”