n.
Pronunciation: -j ə -w ə - ˌ li-z ə m, -j ə - ˌ li-
Function: noun
Date: 1835
1 : the policy of approaching a desired end by gradual stages
2 : the evolution of new species by gradual accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods of time also : a theory or model of evolution emphasizing this ― compare PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM
– grad · u · al · ist \ -list \ noun or adjective
– grad · u · al · is · tic \ ˌ gra-j ə (-w ə )- ' lis-tik \ adjective