macroevolution

[ mak-roh-ev-uh-loo-shuh n or, esp. British, -ee-vuh- ]
/ ˌmæk roʊˌɛv əˈlu ʃən or, esp. British, -ˌi və- /

noun Biology.

major evolutionary transition from one type of organism to another occurring at the level of the species and higher taxa.

Origin of macroevolution

First recorded in 1935–40; macro- + evolution

OTHER WORDS FROM macroevolution

mac·ro·ev·o·lu·tion·ar·y, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for macroevolution

macroevolution
/ (ˌmækrəʊˌiːvəˈluːʃən) /

noun

biology the evolution of large taxonomic groups such as genera and families

Derived forms of macroevolution

macroevolutionary, adjective

Scientific definitions for macroevolution

macroevolution
[ măk′rō-ĕv′ə-lōōshən ]

Evolution that results in the formation of a new taxonomic group above the level of a species.