evolve

[ih-volv]

verb (used with object), e·volved, e·volv·ing.

to develop gradually: to evolve a scheme.

to give off or emit, as odors or vapors.

verb (used without object), e·volved, e·volv·ing.

to come forth gradually into being; develop; undergo evolution: The whole idea evolved from a casual remark.

to gradually change one's opinions or beliefs: candidates who are still evolving on the issue; an evolved feminist mom.

Biology. to develop by a process of evolution to a different adaptive state or condition: The human species evolved from an ancestor that was probably arboreal.

Origin of evolve

1635–45; < Latin ēvolvere to unroll, open, unfold, equivalent to ē- e-¹ + volvere to roll, turn

Related formse·volv·a·ble, adjectivee·volve·ment, noune·volv·er, nounnon·e·volv·ing, adjectiveself-e·volved, adjectiveself-e·volv·ing, adjectiveun·e·volved, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for evolvable

evolve

verb

to develop or cause to develop gradually

(intr) (of animal or plant species) to undergo evolution

(tr) to yield, emit, or give off (heat, gas, vapour, etc)

Derived Formsevolvable, adjectiveevolvement, nounevolver, noun

Word Origin for evolve

C17: from Latin ēvolvere to unfold, from volvere to roll

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for evolvable

evolve

1640s, "to unfold, open out, expand," from Latin evolvere "to unroll," especially of books; figuratively "to make clear, disclose; to produce, develop," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + volvere "to roll" (see volvox). Meaning "to develop by natural processes to a higher state" is from 1832. Related: Evolved; evolving.

evolvable in Science

evolve

[ĭ-vŏlv′]

To undergo biological evolution, as in the development of new species or new traits within a species.

To develop a characteristic through the process of evolution.

To undergo change and development, as the structures of the universe.