This is the 10045th most frequent Russian word.
атавизмы
"Atavisms" refer to traits or features reappearing in an organism that were present in its ancestors but are absent in recent generations.
In this sentence, 'атавизм' refers metaphorically to traditions that are seen as outdated remnants from the past.
Некоторые считают исторически сложившиеся обычаи настоящими атавизмами.
Some consider historically established customs as true atavisms.
Here, 'атавизм' is used scientifically to describe inherited features that reappear after being absent for generations.
В биологии, атавизмы могут быть видны как физические черты, сохранившиеся у современных видов.
In biology, atavisms can be observed as physical traits preserved in modern species.
In this context, 'атавизм' is used figuratively to describe his preference for something considered an outdated practice.