evolution
noun
evo·lu·tion
ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən 
ˌē-və-
ˌē-və-
1
a
: descent with modification from preexisting species : cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms : the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations
Evolution is a process of continuous branching and diversification from common trunks. This pattern of irreversible separation gives life's history its basic directionality.—
Stephen Jay Gould
Stephen Jay Gould
also
: the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (such as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization)
Since 1950, developments in molecular biology have had a growing influence on the theory of evolution. —Nature
Nature In Darwinian evolution, the basic mechanism is genetic mutation, followed by selection of the organisms most likely to survive. —Pamela Weintraub
Pamela Weintraub
b
: the historical development of a biological group (such as a species) : phylogeny
2
a
: a process of change in a certain direction : unfolding
b
: the action or an instance of forming and giving something off : emission
c(1)
: a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state : growth
(2)
: a process of gradual and relatively peaceful social, political, and economic advance
d
: something evolved
3
: the process of working out or developing
4
: the extraction of a mathematical root
5
: a process in which the whole universe is a progression of interrelated phenomena
6
: one of a set of prescribed movements
Synonyms
Examples of evolution in a Sentence
changes brought about by evolution
an important step in the evolution of computers
Recent Examples on the Web
Experts say the rapid evolution of AI and a lack of regulation is cause for concern.
—Abby Wilson, theweek, 8 Nov. 2024
To him, bringing that artifice into focus illuminates how the evolution of belief systems across history have come to obfuscate an ancient truth: that beneath it all, the one true religion is control.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
The evolution of malware is a relentless game of cat and mouse, and Android users are once again in the crosshairs.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
While previous observations have confirmed that Apophis will pose no impact threat to Earth during its flyby, the encounter promises to provide scientists with a unique opportunity to witness asteroid evolution in action.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for evolution 
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Abby Wilson, theweek, 8 Nov. 2024
To him, bringing that artifice into focus illuminates how the evolution of belief systems across history have come to obfuscate an ancient truth: that beneath it all, the one true religion is control.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
The evolution of malware is a relentless game of cat and mouse, and Android users are once again in the crosshairs.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
While previous observations have confirmed that Apophis will pose no impact threat to Earth during its flyby, the encounter promises to provide scientists with a unique opportunity to witness asteroid evolution in action.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for evolution
Dictionary Entries Near evolution
Cite this Entry
“Evolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evolution. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
evolution
noun
evo·lu·tion
ˌev-ə-ˈlü-shən also ˌē-və-
1
: a process of change in a certain direction
tumor evolution and progression—I. J. Fidler et al.
I. J. Fidler et al.2
a
: descent with modification from preexisting species : cumulative inherited change in a population of organisms through time leading to the appearance of new forms : the process by which new species or populations of living things develop from preexisting forms through successive generations
also
: the scientific theory explaining the appearance of new species and varieties through the action of various biological mechanisms (as natural selection, genetic mutation or drift, and hybridization)
Since 1950, developments in molecular biology have had a growing influence on the theory of evolution. —Nature
Nature
b
: the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : phylogeny
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