Definitions for devolution

• Definition
• Anagrams (487)

devolution dev·o·lu·tion

Spelling: [dev-uh-loo-shuh n or, esp. British, Devolution is a 10 letter English word. It's valid Words with friends word worth 18 points.

You can make 487 anagrams from letters in devolution (deilnootuv).

Definitions for devolution

noun

1. the act or fact of devolving; passage onward from stage to stage.
2. the passing on to a successor of an unexercised right.
3. Law. the passing of property from one to another, as by hereditary succession.
4. Biology. degeneration.
5. the transfer of power or authority from a central government to a local government.

Origin of devolution

1535-45; (Middle French) Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn- (stem of dēvolūtiō) a rolling down, equivalent to Latin dēvolūt(us) rolled down (past participle of dēvolvere; see

Examples for devolution

devolution, dev-ol-ū′shun, n. a passing from one person to another.

It stands for evolution rather than for devolution or revolution.

Nevertheless, the problem before us is one of devolution pure and simple, and the question is, how far is devolution to go?

Plans of devolution and Grand Committees will fail to cope with this evil.

It had long been felt that some devolution was necessary, and the change was justified by the result.

The method of division shows a devolution of responsibility.

Kristol et al may long for such a devolution, but polls suggest that the majority of Americans do not.

There is no possibility of devolution here; it cannot delegate its functions to this faculty or to that.

Only the deliberation of geological movements can be contrasted with the evolution and devolution of the constellations.

devolution is quite as natural as evolution, and may be just as pleasing, or even a good deal more pleasing, to God.