adj. Of or relating to the evolutionary descent and development of a species or other taxonomic group of organisms, especially to gradual change rather than to the branching of taxa. [From Greek phūletikos, of or for a tribesman, from phūletēs, tribesman, from phūlē, tribe; see bheuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] phy·leti·cal·ly adv. |
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