Pronunciation: [vˈɛstɪd͡ʒɪz] (IPA) 
The word "vestiges" is spelled with a hard "g" sound, and is pronounced as [ves-ti-jees]. The "ves" syllable is pronounced as "ves" in "vest" and "ti" is pronounced like "tee". The "-ges" ending is pronounced as "jees", rhyming with "fleeces". The word refers to traces or remains of something that is no longer present, and is often used in evolutionary biology to describe structures that have become reduced or modified over time.
Vestiges, in its plural form, refers to traces or remnants of something that existed in the past but is no longer present or in its full form. The term is derived from the Latin word "vestigium," meaning footprint or track. Vestiges can be physical or non-physical, representing signs, indications, or fragments of what was once there.
In a physical sense, vestiges can allude to the remains or fossilized remains of ancient organisms, providing evidence of their previous existence and offering insights into past ecosystems. Archaeological sites are also often characterized by vestiges, such as ancient structures, artifacts, or cultural practices that offer glimpses into past civilizations and their ways of life.
On the other hand, vestiges can also be intangible or metaphorical. They might manifest as remnants of ideas, beliefs, or customs that have faded over time but continue to have an influence or exist in some manner. In this context, vestiges encapsulate the lasting effects of historical events, social movements, or cultural traditions.
Overall, vestiges encompass the remnants or echoes of something once significant, representing a connection between the past and the present. The concept embodies the idea that even as time progresses, traces of what was initially prevalent or influential persist, allowing subsequent generations to perceive and appreciate the legacies of the past.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vestiges" is derived from the Latin word "vestigium", which means "footprint" or "track". "Vestigium" itself is believed to have its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "weǵʰ-", meaning "to go" or "to track". Over time, "vestigium" came to refer to traces or remains of something that are left behind, leading to the development of the English word "vestige".
