-develop-

v. i. 1. To go through a process of natural evolution or growth, by successive changes from a less perfect to a more perfect or more highly organized state; to advance from a simpler form of existence to one more complex either in structure or function; as, a blossom develops from a bud; the seed develops into a plant; the embryo develops into a well-formed animal; the mind develops year by year. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor poets enough to understand
That life develops from within. Mrs. Browning. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To become apparent gradually; as, a picture on sensitive paper develops on the application of heat; the plans of the conspirators develop. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being developed. J. Peile. [ 1913 Webster ]

Developable surface (Math.), a surface described by a moving right line, and such that consecutive positions of the generator intersect each other. Hence, the surface can be developed into a plane. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful; as, the developed qualities of the Hellenic outlook; the state's well-developed industries. Oppositre of undeveloped. [ Narrower terms: formulated; mature ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. made more useful and profitable as by building or laying out roads; -- of real estate. new houses are springing up on the developed tract of land near the river
Syn. -- improved. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, develops. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Photog.) A chemical bath or reagent used in developing photographs. By the action of the developer, the latent image on a photographic plate or film, not perceptible to the eye after exposure in the camera, is developed and becomes visible. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

3. (Dyeing) A reagent used to produce an ingrain color by its action upon some substance on the fiber. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

4. a corporation or individual who finances or organizes a real estate development{ 5 }. [ PJC ]

adj. 1. not industrialized but undergoing industrialization; -- sometimes used as a euphemism for "undeveloped"; -- of nations.
Syn. -- underdeveloped. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. [ pr. p. of develop (WN definition 5) ] becoming or arising; as, the rushing yellow of the developing day. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. the process of treating a photosensitive material with chemicals in order to make a latent image visible.
Syn. -- development. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

n. [ Cf. F. développement. ] [ Written also developement. ] 1. The act of developing or disclosing that which is unknown; a gradual unfolding process by which anything is developed, as a plan or method, or an image upon a photographic plate; gradual advancement or growth through a series of progressive changes; also, the result of developing, or a developed state. [ 1913 Webster ]

A new development of imagination, taste, and poetry. Channing. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Biol.) The series of changes which animal and vegetable organisms undergo in their passage from the embryonic state to maturity, from a lower to a higher state of organization. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Math.) (a) The act or process of changing or expanding an expression into another of equivalent value or meaning. (b) The equivalent expression into which another has been developed. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Mus.) The elaboration of a theme or subject; the unfolding of a musical idea; the evolution of a whole piece or movement from a leading theme or motive. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. A tract of land on which a number of buildings have been constructed; -- especially used for tract on which from two to hundreds of houses have been constructed by a commercial developer{ 4 } for sale to individuals. [ PJC ]

Development theory (Biol.), the doctrine that animals and plants possess the power of passing by slow and successive stages from a lower to a higher state of organization, and that all the higher forms of life now in existence were thus developed by uniform laws from lower forms, and are not the result of special creative acts. See the Note under Darwinian.

Syn. -- Unfolding; disclosure; unraveling; evolution; elaboration; growth. [ 1913 Webster ]