n.
Pronunciation: ˌ de-v ə - ' lü-sh ə n also ˌ d ē -v ə -
Function: noun
Etymology: Medieval Latin devolution-, devolutio, from Latin devolvere
Date: 1545
1 : transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government
2 : retrograde evolution : DEGENERATION
– de · vo · lu · tion · ary \ -sh ə - ˌ ner- ē \ adjective
– de · vo · lu · tion · ist \ -sh( ə -)nist \ noun