living fossil

noun

an organism that is a living example of an otherwise extinct group and that has remained virtually unchanged in structure and function over a long period of time, as the coelacanth and the horseshoe crab.

living fossil

an animal or plant, such as the coelacanth and ginkgo, belonging to a group most of whose members are extinct

First recorded in 1920–25

We have therefore, so to speak, a living fossil before us, and it would be of great interest to ascertain its history.

The interest excited by this living fossil was almost enough to stifle the dread of the creature in the man.

The two drew back as the living fossil raised a short clawed leg.

To the girl, it seemed that the living fossil was endless in length.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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