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(), n.[L. evolutio an unrolling: cf. F. volution evolution. See Evolve.] 1. The act of unfolding or unrolling; hence, in the process of growth; development; as, the evolution of a flower from a bud, or an animal from the egg. 2. A series of things unrolled or unfolded. "The whole evolution of ages." Dr. H. More. 3. (Geom.) The formation of an involute by unwrapping a thread from a curve as an evolute. Hutton. 4. (Arith. & Alg.) The extraction of roots; -- the reverse of involution. 5. (Mil. & Naval) A prescribed movement of a body of troops, or a vessel or fleet; any movement designed to effect a new arrangement or disposition; a maneuver. Those evolutions are best which can be executed with the greatest celerity, compatible with regularity. Campbell. 6. (Biol.) (a) A general name for the history of the steps by which any living organism has acquired the morphological and physiological characters which distinguish it; a gradual unfolding of successive phases of growth or develop スポンサード リンク
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