punctuated equilibrium

noun

A theory of evolution, holding that evolutionary change tends to be characterized by long periods of stability, or equilibrium, punctuated by episodes of very fast development.

Similar
theory of punctuated equilibrium
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Meanings

nounpunctuated equilibrium (plural punctuated equilibria)

plural punctuated equilibria

  1. A theory of evolution, holding that evolutionary change tends to be characterized by long periods of stability, or equilibrium, punctuated by episodes of very fast development.

Synonyms & antonyms

nouna theory of evolution holding that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change

Similar
theory of punctuated equilibrium
Broader
theory of evolutiontheory of organic evolutionevolutionism

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Cite this entry
APA

punctuated equilibrium. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punctuated%20equilibrium

MLA

“punctuated equilibrium.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punctuated%20equilibrium. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “punctuated equilibrium,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punctuated%20equilibrium.

Source: punctuated equilibrium on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.