rev ‧ o ‧ lu ‧ tion S3 W2 AC /ˌrevəˈluːʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ revolution , ↑ revolutionary ; verb : ↑ revolutionize ; adjective : ↑ revolutionary ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: Latin revolutio , from revolvere ; ⇨ ↑ revolve ]
1 . [countable] a complete change in ways of thinking, methods of working etc
revolution in
In the last ten years there has been a revolution in education.
social/cultural/sexual etc revolution
the biggest social revolution we have had in this country
the sexual revolution of the 1960s
⇨ ↑ Industrial Revolution
2 . [uncountable and countable] a time when people change a ruler or political system by using force or violence ⇨ revolt , rebellion :
the French Revolution of 1789
The role of women has changed since the revolution.
The country seems to be heading towards revolution.
⇨ ↑ counter-revolution
3 .
a) [uncountable and countable] a circular movement around something ⇨ revolve
revolution around
the planets’ revolution around the sun
b) [countable] one complete circular spinning movement, made by something such as a wheel attached to a central point ⇨ revolve :
a speed of 100 revolutions per minute
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ revolt/rebellion/uprising an attempt by a large group of people at revolution:
a popular uprising (=involving ordinary people, not the army)
▪ coup /kuː/ an occasion when a group of people, especially soldiers, suddenly take control of a country:
a military coup