development

de|vel|op|ment [ dı`veləpmənt ] noun ***

1. ) uncount change, growth, or improvement over a period of time:

development of: We encourage our employees in their development of new skills.

development of something into something: the gradual development of her ideas into an advanced theory

a ) the growth of a child as time passes, as it changes and learns to do new things:

child development

b ) the process of improving the economy of a country or region by increasing the amount of business activity:

the government's regional development policy

2. ) count a new event that changes a situation:

Have there been any further developments in the case?

3. ) uncount the process of creating a new product or method:

His work is mainly in software development.

a ) count a new product or method:

developments in medical science

4. ) uncount the process of putting new buildings on land:

The land was sold for development.

a ) count a group of buildings that have been built together on a piece of land:

a new development on the edge of town