relict Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. 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
  2. noun geological feature that is a remnant of a pre-existing formation after other parts have disappeared

WordNet

Rel"ict noun
Etymology
L. relicta, fr. of relictus, p. p. of relinquere to leave behind. See Relinquish.
Definitions
  1. A woman whose husband is dead; a widow.
    Eli dying without issue, Jacob was obbliged by law to marry his relict, and so to raise up seed to his brother Eli. South.

Webster 1913