devolution
nounUK /ˌdiːvəˈluːʃən/
US /ˌdɛvəˈluːʃən/
Devolution is when a big government gives some of its power to smaller local governments.
Scotland and Wales have their own parliaments because of devolution.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The act of passing power or duties down to a lower level or person.
The devolution of decision-making to local managers made the company faster.
3. In biology, the process of gradual degeneration or loss of complexity over time.
Some scientists study the devolution of certain organs in cave-dwelling animals.
4. The passing of property or rights from one person to another, especially by inheritance.
The devolution of the estate to the eldest son was written in the will.