reversion

re·ver·sion   (rĭ-vûr'zhən)    n.   A return to a former condition, belief, or interest. A turning away or in the opposite direction; a reversal. Genetics A return to the normal phenotype, usually by a second mutation. Law The return of an estate to the grantor or to the grantor's heirs or successor after the grant has expired. The estate thus returned. The right to succeed to an estate.

Main Entry: re·ver·sion
Pronunciation: ri-'v&r-zh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Anglo-French, from Middle French, from Latin reversio act of turning back, from revertere to turn back
1 : the returning of an estate upon its termination to the former owner or to his or her successor in interest
2 a : the present vested interest in the residue of an estate that remains in its owner after the grant therefrom of a lesser estate (as a life estate) and that will commence in possession by operation of law upon termination of the lesser estate b : the future interest in property left in a grantor or his or her successor in interest that is not subject to a condition precedent —compare POSSIBILITY OF REVERTER, REMAINDER —re·ver·sion·ary /-zh&-"ner-E/ adjective

Main Entry: re·ver·sion
Pronunciation: ri-'v&r-zh&n, -sh&n
Function: noun
1 a : an act or the process of returning (as to aformer condition) b : a return toward an ancestral type or condition : reappearance of an ancestral character
2 : a product of reversion;specifically : an organism with an atavistic character

reversion re·ver·sion (rĭ-vûr'zhən)
n.

1. The return of a trait or characteristic peculiar to a remote ancestor, especially one that has been suppressed for one or more generations.

2. A return to the normal phenotype, usually by a second mutation.

reversion

in Anglo-American law, interest held by a prior owner in property given to another, which, upon the happening of some future event, will return to that prior owner. A reversion is itself specific property, and it can be sold or disposed of as property by the reversion owner. One who holds property subject to a reversion interest held by another is under certain obligations as to the use of that property. Generally, such an owner must reasonably protect the property from spoilage or diminution in value, for the sake of the future owner.

Learn more about reversion with a free trial on Britannica.com.