Revolution

Revolution, rev-ō-lū′shun, n. act of revolving: motion round a centre: course which brings to the same point or state: space measured by a revolving body: a radical change, as of one's way of living: fundamental change in the government of a country: a revolt: a complete rotation through 360°: a round of periodic changes, as the revolutions of the seasons: the winding of a spiral about its axis: change of circumstances: consideration.—adj. Revolū′tionary, pertaining to, or tending to, a revolution in government.—v.t. Revolū′tionise, to cause a revolution or entire change of anything.—ns. Revolū′tionism; Revolū′tionist, one who promotes or favours a revolution.—The American Revolution, the change from the position of colonies to that of national independence effected by the thirteen American colonies of England in 1776; The French Revolution, the downfall of the old French monarchy and the old absolutism (1789); The Revolution, the expulsion of James II. from the throne of England (1689), and the establishment of a really constitutional government under William III. and Mary. [Revolve.]