dev·o·lu·tion (d v  -l  shn, d v-)n. 1. A passing down or descent through successive stages of time or a process. 2. Transference, as of rights or qualities, to a successor. 3. Delegation of authority or duties to a subordinate or substitute. 4. A transfer of powers from a central government to local units. 5. Biology Degeneration. [Late Latin d vol ti , dvoltin-, from Latin dvoltus, past participle of dvolvere, to roll down, fall to; see devolve.]dev o·lution·ary (-sh-nr) adj.dev o·lution·ist n. |
devolution
Noun
a transfer of authority from a central government to regional governments [Medieval Latin devolutio a rolling down]
devolutionist nadj
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | devolution - the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality physical process, process - a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states; "events now in process"; "the process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls" attack - the onset of a corrosive or destructive process (as by a chemical agent); "the film was sensitive to attack by acids"; "open to attack by the elements" obsolescence - the process of becoming obsolete; falling into disuse or becoming out of date; "a policy of planned obsolescence" macular degeneration - eye disease caused by degeneration of the cells of the macula lutea and results in blurred vision; can cause blindness evolution, development - a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage); "the development of his ideas took many years"; "the evolution of Greek civilization"; "the slow development of her skill as a writer" |
| 2. | devolution - the delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government) governing, government activity, government, governance, administration - the act of governing; exercising authority; "regulations for the governing of state prisons"; "he had considerable experience of government" delegating, relegating, relegation, delegation, deputation - authorizing subordinates to make certain decisions |
devolution
noun transfer of power, decentralization, distribution of power, surrender of power, relinquishment of power
Translations
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