evolution

/ˈɛvəˌluʃən/

/ɛvəˈluʃən/

Other forms: evolutions

Evolution means the process of developing by gradual changes. A rock star might discuss her evolution as a musician, for example. In biology, evolution refers to genetic change in species or populations over time.

Evolution usually refers to a process that produces a better or more complex form. In biology, it is the natural process by which animals and plants develop from their original or primitive state to their modern or specialized state. This noun is from Latin evolutio, "an unrolling or opening," combined from the prefix e-, "out," plus volvere, "to roll."

Definitions of evolution

1. noun

   (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
   synonyms: organic evolution, phylogenesis, phylogeny

   types:

   anamorphism, anamorphosis

   the evolution of one type of organism from another by a long series of gradual changes

   anthropogenesis, anthropogeny

   the evolution or genesis of the human race

   emergent evolution

   the appearance of entirely new properties at certain critical stages in the course of evolution

   macroevolution

   evolution on a large scale extending over geologic era and resulting in the formation of new taxonomic groups

   microevolution

   evolution resulting from small specific genetic changes that can lead to a new subspecies

   speciation

   the evolution of a biological species

   type of:

   biological process, organic process

   a process occurring in living organisms
2. noun

   a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage)
   “the evolution of Greek civilization”

   synonyms: development

   antonyms:

   devolution

   the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality

   types:

   assibilation

   the development of a consonant phoneme into a sibilant

   deepening

   a process of becoming deeper and more profound

   growth

   a progression from simpler to more complex forms

   flowering, unfolding

   a developmental process

   type of:

   physical process, process

   a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states