noun Common

darwin

Darwin (noun) means a unit used in evolutionary biology to measure the rate of change in a trait over time. Example: “The researchers measured beak-size change in darwins per generation.”

noun

A unit used in evolutionary biology to measure the rate of change in a trait over time.

"The researchers measured beak-size change in darwins per generation."

How to Use Darwin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA specialised scientific unit for how fast a trait evolves — most people will only meet it as the naturalist's surname, "Darwin," rather than this technical unit.

Word Forms

darwins plural

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The researchers measured beak-size change in _____ per generation.

Etymology

Named after Charles Darwin, and coined by the geneticist J.B.S. Haldane in 1949.

· First attested 1949

Class of 1949 darwin joined the language around 1949.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “darwin” mean?

The word “darwin” means a unit used in evolutionary biology to measure the rate of change in a trait over time. In plain terms, a specialised scientific unit for how fast a trait evolves — most people will only meet it as the naturalist's surname, "Darwin," rather than this technical unit.

How do you use “darwin” in a sentence?

Here is “darwin” used in a sentence: “The researchers measured beak-size change in darwins per generation.”

What part of speech is “darwin”?

“Darwin” is a noun.

Where does the word “darwin” come from?

The word “darwin” dates back to around 1949. Named after Charles Darwin, and coined by the geneticist J.B.S. Haldane in 1949.

Is “darwin” a common word?

“Darwin” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is a darwin used to measure?

A darwin is a unit used in evolutionary biology to measure the rate of change in a trait over time. It allows scientists to compare how quickly different species or populations evolve a particular characteristic.

Who is the darwin unit named after?

The unit's name references its connection to evolutionary biology, the field most associated with Charles Darwin, though the term functions as a scientific measurement rather than a reference to any specific person's work.

Is darwin a commonly used unit outside evolutionary biology?

No, the darwin is a specialized unit confined to evolutionary biology, used specifically to quantify rates of trait change rather than for general scientific or everyday measurement.