noun
also de·vel·ope·ment də̇ˈveləpmənt, dēˈ-
( -s )
1. : the act, process, or result of developing : the state of being developed : a gradual unfolding by which something (as a plan or method, an image upon a photographic plate, a living body) is developed
a new development in poetry
: gradual advance or growth through progressive changes : evolution
a stage of development
: a making usable or available
well worth development
2.
a. : the whole process of growth and differentiation by which the potentialities of a zygote, spore, or embryo are realized ; broadly : ontogeny
b. : the gradual differentiation of an ecological community or a natural group ; sometimes : phylogeny
3. : the process of or position attained in developing chess pieces
4. logic : an expansion by means of which all the elements contained in a given expression are made explicit
5. : work done in developing a mine
6.
a. : the elaboration of a musical theme, subject, or idea by rhythmic, melodic, tonal, or harmonic modifications
b. or development section : the section of a musical movement where this elaboration occurs (as in the sonata form)
7. : a method of reducing grade in railroading by increasing the length of a line between two predetermined points that differ much in elevation
8. : a developed tract of land ; especially : a subdivision having necessary utilities (as water, gas, electricity, roads)