I. ˈre-likt noun
Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English relicte, from Late Latin relicta, from Latin, feminine of relictus, past participle of relinquere; in senses 2 & 3, from relict residual, adjective, from Latin relictus
Date: 15th century
1. : widow
2. : a surviving species of an otherwise extinct group of organisms ; also : a remnant of a formerly widespread species that persists in an isolated area
3.
a. : a relief feature or rock remaining after other parts have disappeared
b. : something left unchanged
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
: of, relating to, or being a relict
relict populations