devolution

英 [,diːvə'luːʃ(ə)n; ,dev-] 美['dɛvə'lʊʃən]

• n. 相传，转移；委付；依次；落下

1. the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality

2. the delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government)