development
n. C / Un. the process of growing, changing, or becoming more advanced. It can also mean a new event or situation that changes a story.
n. the process of growth, advancement, or progressive change; alternatively, a new and significant event or circumstance. Often used to describe economic progress or the maturation of a biological organism.
The child's physical development is very healthy.
The police provided a briefing on the latest development in the ongoing investigation.
Sustainable urban development requires a careful balance between expanding infrastructure and preserving the natural ecosystems that support the local community.
From French développement, from Old French desvelopemens (“unrolling”). By surface analysis, develop + -ment. First attested in 1756.
Uncountable when referring to the general process of growth; countable when referring to a specific new event or a group of buildings.