development
/dɪˈvɛləpm(ə)nt
/noun [mass noun]
1The process of developing or being developed: she traces the development of the novel the paintings provide evidence of his artistic development...
- Eventually, it will initiate development of future processors in the SuperH family itself.
- Growing leaves are characterized by dynamic gradients of growth processes and functional development.
- It is about understanding the entire arc of human social development since we emerged as a species.
Synonyms
evolution, growth, maturing, expansion, enlargement, spread, buildout, progress, success, blossoming, blooming, burgeoning, headway
forming, establishment, institution, initiation, instigation, inauguration, origination, invention, generation
1.1A specified state of growth or advancement: the wings attain their full development several hours after birth...
- After caterpillars reach their full development they seek depression in the bark and curl up in a web spun from some secretion which they exude.
- The reproductive organs only attain full development at puberty, and degenerate and lose all or much of their functional importance as years accumulate.
1.2 [count noun] A new and advanced product or idea: the latest developments in information technology...
- Perry Rees explains that every race is an important test-bed for new ideas and developments.
- It is not often that Parliament has to frame legislation apt to apply to developments at the advanced cutting edge of science.
- It's certainly true that developments in neurosciences can produce huge benefits.
2 [count noun] An event constituting a new stage in a changing situation: I don’t think there have been any new developments since yesterday...
- At this juncture, a new development changed the political situation on the island.
- Only in this way can it intervene in social developments as an independent political force.
- The issue of monetary union as an accompaniment to the single market was not addressed at this stage of developments.
Synonyms
event, turn of events, occurrence, happening, circumstance, incident, phenomenon, situation, issue, outcome, upshot
3The process of converting land to a new purpose by constructing buildings or making use of its resources: land suitable for development...
- These green industries can not only create more jobs, but also promote sustainable development of the land.
- Peace, reconciliation, nation building and sustainable development are what we seek.
- The theme of Creative Planet is sustainable development and any buildings will reflect this.
3.1 [count noun] An area of land with new buildings on it: a major housing development in Essex...
- The size of housing developments in the Killea area is currently limited to no more than four to six houses.
- The officer followed the vehicle to a housing development in the Shelf area of Halifax and saw it being loaded by a mechanical excavator.
- The exercise has also come about because of housing developments in the area which could affect population trends.
Synonyms
estate, complex, site, conglomeration
4The process of starting to be affected by an ailment or feeling: the development of brittle bones...
- This paper will be restricted to the presentation of certain examples of the influence of temperature upon the development of disease in plants.
- The psychoanalysts have concerned themselves with the problem of the nature of the development of love in the neonate and infant.
5The process of treating photographic film with chemicals to make a visible image: agitation is carried out while a film is processed to ensure even development...
- The bioluminescence emission was visualized following film development.
- A method of preparing a roll of film for development and developing the film is also disclosed.
- It is made visible to the human eye by development in a series of chemical baths.
6 Chess The process of bringing one’s pieces into play in the opening phase of a game: I sought to take advantage of Black’s defective development...
- Instead he calmly fianchettoes a bishop and argues the he can attend to things like development later in the game.
- He is behind in development, can't castle kingside and his queenside is weakened.