Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - development

~ n 1 the gradual growth of something, so that it becomes bigger or more advanced  (an expert in child development) + of  (a course on the development of Greek thought) 2 a new event or piece of news that is likely to have an effect on the present situation  (recent political developments in the former Soviet Union) 3 the act or result of making a product or design better and more advanced  (There have been significant computer developments during the last decade.) 4 the process of planning and building new houses, offices etc on a piece of land  (The land was sold for development.) 5 a group of new buildings that have all been planned and built together on the same piece of land  (a new housing development) - developmental adj - developmentally adv