noun
development
The process of growing or changing, or a new event or result.
Regular exercise supports the healthy development of muscles and bones.
Etymology
French développer meant to unfold or unwrap. Development turns that unfolding image into growth or progressive change, and can also name a new result that emerges from the process.
More examples
- Play is important for a child's social development.
- The new software is still in development.
- Recent developments in the investigation raise new questions.
Forms
development · developments
develop verb — To grow, change, or bring into being.
developmental adjective — Relating to growth or gradual change.