evolvability

English

Etymology

From evolve +‎ -ability.

Noun

evolvability (countable and uncountable, plural evolvabilities)

1. (chiefly biology) The ability to evolve. [from 20th c.]
   • 2003, Adrian Woolfson, ‘Genetic Mountaineering’, London Review of Books, volume 25, number 3:

     Systems must be constantly poised for change: a potential for evolvability is essential if they are to respond to the vagaries of an uncertain future.

Derived terms

• nonevolvability