n. 1 gradual development, esp. from a simple to a more complex form. 2 a process by which species develop from earlier forms, as an explanation of their origins. 3 the appearance or presentation of events etc. in due succession (the evolution of the plot). 4 a change in the disposition of troops or ships. 5 the giving off or evolving of gas, heat, etc. 6 an opening out. 7 the unfolding of a curve. 8 Math. the extraction of a root from any given power (cf. INVOLUTION). evolutional adj. evolutionally adv. evolutionary adj. evolutionarily adv.
[ L evolutio unrolling (as EVOLVE) ]