evolutionary
UK: ˌiːvəˈluːʃənəri | US: ˌɛvəˈluʃəˌnɛri
adj. relating to or involving the gradual development of something
adj. (biology) pertaining to the process of evolution by natural selection
The word "evolutionary" derives from the noun "evolution," which originates from the Latin evolutio ("unrolling" or "opening," as of a scroll). The root evol- (from volvere, "to roll") metaphorically describes gradual change over time. The suffix -ary (from Latin -arius) forms adjectives meaning "related to." Thus, "evolutionary" literally means "related to unrolling/development," aligning with its modern scientific and general usage.
Evolutionary biology explores how species adapt over generations.
The company adopted an evolutionary approach to product design.
His theories challenged traditional evolutionary models.
Language is subject to evolutionary changes influenced by culture.
The fossil record provides evidence of evolutionary transitions.