atav-

(Latin: grandfather; ancestor; father of a great-grandfather)

atavism (s) (noun), atavisms (pl)
1. The emergence of a genetic characteristic typical of a previous generation, which could be caused by a recombination of genes: Some people have the impression that James is reverting to atavisms that existed when he was a child.
2. The reappearance of a former behavior even after a long period of being educated or trained: Mark's dog seemed to be returning to a kind of atavism which it had when it was a wild dog.
3. Etymology: from French atavisme; from Latin atavus, "ancestor, forefather"; from at- perhaps here meaning "beyond" + avus, "grandfather"; from "adult male relative other than the father".
A little boy is behaving like a monkey swinging from the ceiling light.
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atavistic (adjective), more atavistic, most atavistic
Used to describe qualities or feelings which humans have had from the distant past or earliest times: Mildred is convinced that, even in some modern societies, men have an atavistic desire to dominate women as much as they did centuries ago.
Going back to a ancestral type or trait.
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atavistically (adverb)
uncle
Etymology: from Old French oncle, from Latin avunculus, "mother's brother"; litterally, "little grandfather" diminutive of avus, "grandfather".