evolve

 
Pronunciation: /ɪˈvɒlv/

verb

  • 1develop gradually: [no object]: the company has evolved into a major chemical manufacturer the Gothic style evolved from the Romanesque [with object]: each school must evolve its own way of working
  • (with reference to an organism or biological feature) develop over successive generations as a result of natural selection: [no object]: the domestic dog is thought to have evolved from the wolf
  • 2 [with object] Chemistry give off (gas or heat): the energy evolved during this chemical change is transferred to water

Derivatives

evolvable

adjective

evolvement

noun

Origin:

early 17th century (in the general sense 'make more complex, develop'): from Latin evolvere, from e- (variant of ex-) 'out of' + volvere 'to roll'