DEVOLUTION • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Devolution

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/dˌɛvəlˈuʃən/ Listen

Devolution

noun

The process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality. Synonym: degeneration.

The delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government). Synonym: devolvement.

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Etymology of 'Devolution'

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"Devolution" Quotes from Famous Books

... not; they return to their source of origin and are reabsorbed in matter, becoming subject to the operation of future interpenetrating jets of spiritual energy. The upward drive of the elan vital constitutes what may properly be known as evolution, the declining fall the process of devolution or degeneration. Evolution then is only one part of the cosmic process, it is ...

— Towards the Great Peace • Ralph Adams Cram

... letters came to him, which informed him of the death of Tiberius, he obliged the multitude to take an oath of fidelity to Caius; he also recalled his army, and made them every one go home, and take their winter quarters there, since, upon the devolution of the empire upon Caius, he had not the like authority of making this war which he had before. It was also reported, that when Aretas heard of the coming of Vitellius to fight him, he said, upon his consulting the diviners, that it was impossible ...

— The Antiquities of the Jews • Flavius Josephus

Words linked to "Devolution" : physical process, evolution, devolvement, administration, delegation, deputation, government, government activity, macular degeneration, attack, governance, governing, devolve, relegation, relegating, process, delegating, obsolescence