(pronounced VEHS-tihj)

This noun can actually mean a tangible, physical footprint, but it’s most often used to describe the smallest quantity or trace of something, or a hint, mark, or visible sign left by something that is now gone or missing.

Example: Now that the firm had merged with another, causing its name to irrevocably change, John’s painted portrait hanging above the conference room buffet was the only vestige of his founding contributions to the practice.