devolution

Borrowed from Middle French dévolution, from Medieval Latin devolutio, devolutionis, from Latin devolvo; equivalent to devolve +‎ -ution.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /diːvəˈluːʃən/

devolution (plural devolutions)

1. A rolling down.
2. A descent, especially one that passes through a series of revolutions, or by succession
3. The transference of a right to a successor, or of a power from one body to another.
4. (derogatory) Degeneration (as opposed to evolution).
5. (Britain) The transfer of some powers, and the delegation of some functions, from a central sovereign government to local government; eg. from Westminster to Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly.

• devolve