evolution
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
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(biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
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synonyms:
organic evolution, phylogenesis, phylogeny
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types:
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anamorphism, anamorphosis
the evolution of one type of organism from another by a long series of gradual changes
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anthropogenesis, anthropogeny
the evolution or genesis of the human race
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emergent evolution
the appearance of entirely new properties at certain critical stages in the course of evolution
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macroevolution
evolution on a large scale extending over geologic era and resulting in the formation of new taxonomic groups
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microevolution
evolution resulting from small specific genetic changes that can lead to a new subspecies
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speciation
the evolution of a biological species
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type of:
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biological process, organic process
a process occurring in living organisms
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a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage)“the evolution of Greek civilization”
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synonyms:
development
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Antonyms:
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degeneration, devolution
the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality
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types:
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assibilation
the development of a consonant phoneme into a sibilant
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deepening
a process of becoming deeper and more profound
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growth
a progression from simpler to more complex forms
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flowering, unfolding
a developmental process
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type of:
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physical process, process
a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states
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degeneration, devolution
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘evolution'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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