Definition of: develop

(di·vel′əp) v.t.
1. To expand or bring out the potentialities, capabilities, etc., of; cause to come to completeness or perfection.
2. To expand; enlarge upon, as an idea.
3. To make more extensive or productive, as atomic power.
4. Phot. a To bring to view by means of a developer (the latent image) produced on a sensitized surface by means of light, b To subject (a plate or film) to a developer.
5. Biol. To cause to evolve to a higher stage, as in function or structure.
6. Music To elaborate on (a theme).
7. Math. To expand (an expression) in the form of a series.
8. Geom. To change the form of (a surface) as if by bending or unbending.
9. Obs. To disclose; reveal.
—v.i.
10. To increase in capabilities, maturity, etc.
11. To advance from a lower to a higher state; grow; evolve.
12. To disclose itself; become apparent: The plot of a novel develops. Also de·vel′ope. See synonyms under AMPLIFY. [<F développer <de- away (<L dis-) + OF voluper fold]
—de·vel′op·a·ble adjective