Definition of RELICT

relict

Meanings

Plural: relicts

Noun

  • an organism or species surviving as a remnant of an otherwise extinct flora or fauna in an environment much changed from that in which it originated
  • geological feature that is a remnant of a pre-existing formation after other parts have disappeared
  • Something that, or someone who, survives or remains or is left over after the loss of others; a relic.
  • The surviving member of a married couple after one or the other has died; a widow or widower.
  • Something that, or someone who, survives or remains or is left over after the loss of others; a relic.
  • A species, organism, or ecosystem that has survived from a previous age: one that was once widespread but is now found only in a few areas.
  • Something that, or someone who, survives or remains or is left over after the loss of others; a relic.
  • A structure or other feature that has survived from a previous age.
  • Something that, or someone who, survives or remains or is left over after the loss of others; a relic.
  • A survival of an archaic word, language or other form.

Adj

  • Surviving, remaining.
  • That is a relict; pertaining to a relict.

Origin / Etymology

Inherited from Middle English relicte (“widow”), from Middle French relicte (“widow”), from Late Latin relicta (“widow”), from Latin relictus, past participle of relinquō (“I abandon, I relinquish, I leave (behind)”), from re- + linquō (“I leave, quit, forsake, depart from”). Doublet of relic, derelict, and relinquish.

Scrabble Score: 8

relict is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
relict is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
relict is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

relict is a valid Words With Friends word