adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ äb-s ə - ' l ē t, ' äb-s ə - ˌ
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin obsoletus, from past participle of obsolescere to grow old, become disused, perhaps from ob- toward + sol ē re to be accustomed
Date: 1579
1 a : no longer in use or no longer useful <an obsolete word> b : of a kind or style no longer current : OLD-FASHIONED <an obsolete technology>
2 of a plant or animal part : indistinct or imperfect as compared with a corresponding part in related organisms : VESTIGIAL
synonyms see OLD
– ob · so · lete · ly adverb
– ob · so · lete · ness noun