evolutionary

[ ev-uh-loo-shuh-ner-eeor, especially British, ee-vuh- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to evolution or development; developmental:

   the evolutionary origin of species.

2. of, relating to, or in accordance with a theory of evolution, especially in biology.
3. pertaining to or performing evolutions.

Other Words From

• evo·lution·ari·ly adverb
• anti·evo·lution·ary adjective
• nonev·o·lution·ary adjective
• preev·o·lution·ary adjective
• proev·o·lution·ary adjective
• unev·o·lution·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of evolutionary¹

First recorded in 1840–50; evolution + -ary

Example Sentences

But some of the bird's unique evolutionary traits are clashing with human interventions, making it vulnerable to extinction.

From BBC

Both strains are H5N1; they just followed slightly different evolutionary trajectories, which is reflected in their genetic sequence.

From Los Angeles Times

When you perceive yourself under threat, adrenaline surges in your body and the evolutionary fight-or-flight response is activated.

From Salon

Indeed, a crab-like body shape, or morphology, has evolved numerous times independently throughout evolutionary history.

From Salon

"There are a couple hypotheses regarding the advantages of these evolutionary innovations in the bottom dwelling sea robin," Herbert said in a statement.

From Salon

Related Words

• developmental
• metamorphic
• mutative
• transformative