Main Entry: de·vo·lu·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən also ˌdē-və-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Medieval Latin devolution-, devolutio, from Latin devolvere

Date: 1545

1 : transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another; especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government
2 : retrograde evolution : degeneration

— de·vo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

— de·vo·lu·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun