O OneWordDaily
AI-generated image
Word of the Day Wednesday, June 10, 2026

phyletic

/ˈfaɪlɛtɪk/ adjective · British & US
Valid in UKValid in US
Share WhatsApp

What does phyletic mean?

adjective

Relating to or denoting a gradual evolutionary change in a species, especially one that is not accompanied by a change in the fossil record. In biology, describing a gradual change in a species over time, often without a clear break from the ancestral form.

Example

"The phyletic gradualism theory suggests that evolution occurs through a series of small, incremental changes over millions of years."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for phyletic

Antonyms of phyletic

Rhymes with phyletic