View synonyms for relict

relict

[ rel-ikt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Ecology. a species or community living in an environment that has changed from that which is typical for it.
a remnant or survivor.
a widow.

relict

/ ˈrɛlɪkt /

ecology
1. a group of animals or plants that exists as a remnant of a formerly widely distributed group in an environment different from that in which it originated
2. ( as modifier )
  a relict fauna
geology
1. a mountain, lake, glacier, etc, that is a remnant of a pre-existing formation after a destructive process has occurred
2. a mineral that remains unaltered after metamorphism of the rock in which it occurs
See widow
an archaic word for widow
See relic
an archaic word for relic

Origin of relict¹

1525–35; < Medieval Latin relicta widow, noun use of feminine of Latin relictus, past participle of relinquere to relinquish

Origin of relict¹

C16: from Latin relictus left behind, from relinquere to relinquish

She was attired in the black calico riding-skirt and sunbonnet 443 which represented the mourning garb of the mountain relict.

We cannot but rejoice that in the present day there exists not the slightest relict of serfdom in any part of the United Kingdom.

To whose memory as an instance of her conjugal affection, Mary, his sorrowful relict, caused this monument to be erected.

He felt that he could not refuse the unexplained opportunity to pay at least his respects to the relict of his idol.

What brought me to consciousness was his fumbling with the buttons at the waist of that blue muslin relict of a sentiment.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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