devolution

 
Pronunciation: /ˌdiːvəˈluːʃ(ə)n, ˌdɛv-/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration: demands for electoral reform and devolution the devolution of power to the regions
  • Law the legal transfer of property from one owner to another.
  • 2 formal descent to a lower or worse state: the devolution of the gentlemanly ideal into a glorification of drunkenness
  • Biology evolutionary degeneration.

Derivatives

devolutionary

adjective

devolutionist

noun

Origin:

late 15th century (in the sense 'transference by default'): from late Latin devolutio(n-), from Latin devolvere 'roll down' (see devolve)