də̇|veləp|ment ə l, dē|- adjective
1. : of, relating to, or constituting development
developmental processes
developmental stages
developmental questions
: serving to develop
developmental concessions for the region
a long-range developmental program
developmental aid for backward areas
broadly : experimental
a developmental series of tests
the developmental stages of military aviation
2. : designed to further growth (as of a child) or to bring about improvement (as of a skill) by gradual training adapted to the learner's physical and mental development
developmental reading
• de·vel·op·men·tal·ly - ə lē, ə li adverb