evolution

evolution [ev΄ə lo͞o′shən; ] occas. [ ē΄vəlo͞o′shən]

n.

[L evolutio, an unrolling or opening < evolutus, pp. of evolvere: see EVOLVE]

1. an unfolding, opening out, or working out; process of development, as from a simple to a complex form, or of gradual, progressive change, as in a social and economic structure

2. a result or product of this; thing evolved

3.

a) a movement that is part of a series or pattern

b) a pattern produced, or seemingly produced, by such a series of movements [the evolutions of a fancy skater]

4. a setting free or giving off, as of gas in a chemical reaction

5. Biol.

a) the development of a species, organism, or organ from its original or primitive state to its present or specialized state; phylogeny or ontogeny

b) DARWINIAN THEORY: see LAMARCKISM, MUTATION

6. Math. the extracting of a root of a given number: opposed to INVOLUTION

7. [Fr évolution] Mil. any of various movements or maneuvers by which troops, ships, etc. change formation

evolutional

adj.

evolutionally

adv.

evolutionary

adj.