Darwinian

Meanings

1. Senses relating to Charles and Erasmus Darwin.
2. Of or pertaining to the scientific views advanced by the English biologist, geologist, and naturalist Charles Darwin, especially his theory that living organisms evolve through the natural selection of inherited variations that increase organisms' ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.
3. Of or pertaining to Darwinism, which includes the theories of Charles Darwin and other scientists.
4. Competitive, especially in a ruthless manner.
5. Exhibiting an ability to adapt or develop in order to survive; adaptable.
6. Of or pertaining to the philosophical and scientific views, or poetic style, of the natural philosopher, physiologist, and poet Erasmus Darwin.
7. Of or pertaining to Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia.

1. Senses relating to Charles and Erasmus Darwin.
2. An adherent of Charles Darwin's theory of the origin of species, or of Darwinism.
3. An adherent of the philosophical and scientific views, or poetic style, of Erasmus Darwin.
4. A native or resident of Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia.

1. Alternative letter-case form of Darwinian.

1. Alternative letter-case form of Darwinian.

Etymology

From Darwin + -ian (suffix with the sense ‘belonging to, relating to, or like’ forming adjectives or nouns). Darwin is the surname of Erasmus Darwin (1731–1802) and his grandson Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Adjective sense 2 (“of or pertaining to Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia”) and noun sense 2 (“native or resident of Darwin”) refer to the city of Darwin which was named after Charles Darwin.