evolution

evo·lu·tion

noun \ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌē-və-\

Definition of EVOLUTION

1

: one of a set of prescribed movements

2

a : a process of change in a certain direction : unfolding b : the action or an instance of forming and giving something off : emission c (1) : a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state : growth (2) : a process of gradual and relatively peaceful social, political, and economic advance d : something evolved

3

: the process of working out or developing

4

a : the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : phylogeny b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations; also : the process described by this theory

5

: the extraction of a mathematical root

6

: a process in which the whole universe is a progression of interrelated phenomena

— evo·lu·tion·ari·ly \-shə-ˌner-ə-lē\ adverb

— evo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

— evo·lu·tion·ism \-shə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

— evo·lu·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

Examples of EVOLUTION

1. changes brought about by evolution
2. an important step in the evolution of computers

Origin of EVOLUTION

Latin evolution-, evolutio unrolling, from evolvere

First Known Use: 1622

Related to EVOLUTION

Synonyms: elaboration, development, expansion, growth, progress, progression

Antonyms: regress, regression, retrogression, reversion

Related Words: advancement, betterment, improvement, perfection, refinement; incubation, maturation, maturing, ripening; blossoming, flourishing, flowering; addition, augmentation, enhancement, supplementation; emergence, evolvement, metamorphosis

Near Antonyms: backslide, lapse, relapse; decadence, decay, decaying, declension, declination, decline, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, descent, deterioration, devaluation, downfall, downgrade, ebbing, falling, weakening

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