释义 |
dev·o·lu·tion \ˌdevəˈlüshən also -vəlˈyü-\ noun (-s) Etymology: Medieval Latin devolution-, devolutio, from Late Latin, corruption, from Latin devolutus (past participle of devolvere) + -ion-, -io -ion 1. : transference from one individual to another: as a. : a passing or devolving (as of property, qualities, power, or rights) upon a successor < the devolution of the crown > b. : delegation or conferral (as of authority, responsibility, or tasks) especially to a subordinate < devolution of functions in industry > c. in ecclesiastical law : transfer of power and privilege in a particular case because of nonfeasance or misfeasance (as when the filling of a vacant benefice passes to the church because the patron failed to nominate or presented an unworthy candidate) d. : the delegation or surrender of powers formerly held by a central government to regional or local authorities — compare decentralization e. Scots law (1) : the reference of a matter to an umpire by arbiters who disagree (2) : the devolving of a purchase at auction upon the next highest bidder when the highest bidder fails to make good his bid 2. a. : descent or passage through a series (as of stages in development) b. : retrograde evolution : degeneration • dev·o·lu·tion·ary \-shəˌnerē\ adjective |