development

Definitions of development in various dictionaries:

noun - act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

noun - a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage)

noun - (biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically

noun - a recent event that has some relevance for the present situation

noun - the act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful

noun - a district that has been developed to serve some purpose

noun - a state in which things are improving

noun - processing a photosensitive material in order to make an image visible

noun - (music) the section of a composition or movement (especially in sonata form) where the major musical themes are developed and elaborated

The act of developing.

The state of being developed.

A significant event, occurrence, or change.

A group of dwellings built by the same contractor.

Determination of the best techniques for applying a new device or process to production of goods or services.

Music.

Elaboration of a theme with rhythmic and harmonic variations.

The central meaning shared by these noun s is “a progression from a simpler or lower to a more advanced, mature, or complex form or stage”: the development of an aptitude into an accomplishment; the evolution of a plant from a seed; attempts made to foster social progress.