devolutions

Noun

devolution (plural devolutions)

1. A rolling down.

   Synonyms:

   devolvement

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.
   • It is quite disheartening to witness the devolution of our nation's political discourse over the past several years.

   Synonyms:

   degradation

   Antonyms:

   evolution, development

5. The transfer of some powers and the delegation of some functions from a central government to local government (e.g. from the U.K. parliament to Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly).
   • The question of whether England should receive devolution like Scotland and Wales have has dogged British politics for years.