macroevolution

[ mak-roh-ev-uh-loo-shuhnor, especially British, -ee-vuh- ]

noun

, Biology.

1. major evolutionary transition from one type of organism to another occurring at the level of the species and higher taxa.

macroevolution

/ ˌmækrəʊˌiːvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. biology the evolution of large taxonomic groups such as genera and families

macroevolution

/ măk′rō-ĕv′ə-lo̅o̅′shən /

1. Evolution that results in the formation of a new taxonomic group above the level of a species.

Derived Forms

• ˌmacroˌevoˈlutionary, adjective

Other Words From

• macro·evo·lution·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macroevolution¹

First recorded in 1935–40; macro- + evolution