evolution

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The gradual process by which something changes and develops over time.

   The evolution of the smartphone has changed how we communicate.

2. 2
   noun

   The biological process by which species of living things change over many generations.

   Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species adapt to their environment.

Borrowed from Latin ēvolūtiō, ēvolūtiōnis (“the act of unrolling, unfolding or opening (of a book)”), from ēvolūtus, perfect passive participle of ēvolvō (“unroll, unfold”), from ex + volvō (“roll”). Compare typologically Czech vývoj, Serbo-Croatian развој, Russian разви́ть (razvítʹ), развива́ть (razvivátʹ), разви́ться (razvítʹsja), развива́ться (razvivátʹsja), Russian разви́тие (razvítije), related to Proto-Slavic *viti (whence Czech vít, Russian вить (vitʹ)).

Topics