n. 1. a. Orbital motion about a point, especially as distinguished from axial rotation: the planetary revolution about the sun. b. A turning or rotational motion about an axis. c. A single complete cycle of such orbital or axial motion. 2. The overthrow of one government and its replacement with another. 3. A sudden or momentous change in a situation: the revolution in computer technology. 4. Geology A time of major crustal deformation, when folds and faults are formed. [Middle English revolucioun, from Old French revolution, from Late Latin revolūtiō, revolūtiōn-, from Latin revolūtus, past participle of revolvere, to turn over; see REVOLVE.] |
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