First Known Use: 1622
Dictionary
evolution
noun evo·lu·tion \ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌē-və-\
biology : a theory that the differences between modern plants and animals are because of changes that happened by a natural process over a very long time
: the process by which changes in plants and animals happen over time
: a process of slow change and development
Full 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
See evolution defined for English-language learners
See evolution defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of EVOLUTION
Latin evolution-, evolutio unrolling, from evolvere
Related to EVOLUTION
- Synonyms
- elaboration, development, expansion, growth, progress, progression
- Antonyms
- regress, regression, retrogression, reversion
EVOLUTION Defined for Kids
evolution
noun evo·lu·tion \ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌē-və-\
Definition of EVOLUTION for Kids
1
: the theory that the various kinds of existing animals and plants have come from kinds that existed in the past
2
: the process of development of an animal or a plant
Medical Dictionary
evolution
noun evo·lu·tion \ˌev-ə-ˈlü-shən also ˌē-və-\
Medical Definition of EVOLUTION
1
: a process of change in a certain direction <tumor evolution and progression—I. J. Fidler et al>
2
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
—evo·lu·tion·ari·ly \-shə-ˌner-ə-lē\ adverb
—evo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective
Learn More About EVOLUTION
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: evolutionalPrevious Word in the Dictionary: evoluteAll Words Near: evolution
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up evolution? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).