An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To elaborate or expand in detail, for example a theory.
   

2. To bring to a more advanced or effective state.
   

3. Math.: To express in an extended form, as in a → series. → developed turbulence, → development.

Etymology (EN): From M.Fr. développer, O.Fr. desveloper, from des- “undo” prefix + veloper “wrap up,” of unknown origin.

Etymology (PE): Govâlidan, from Proto-Iranian *vi-uar, cf. Skt. vi-vardh- “to grow up; to blossom,” Av. *vi-varəd-, from Skt./Av. prefix vi- “out, apart” + varəd- “to increase, augment, strengthen, cause to prosper,” Mid.Pers. vâlitan, Mod.Pers. bâlidan “to grow, to wax great.”