SuaviloquyToday’s word

innovation

Innovation, n.

Etymology: [L. innovatio; cf. F. innovation.]

1. The act of innovating; introduction of something new, in customs, rites, etc. Dryden.

2. A change effected by innovating; a change in customs; something new, and contrary to established customs, manners, or rites. Bacon. The love of things ancient doth argue stayedness, but levity and want of experience maketh apt unto innovations. Hooker.

3. (Bot.)

A newly formed shoot, or the annually produced addition to the stems of many mosses.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for innovation; he lists it under change.

Where he writes about it:

An innovation is a change that breaks in upon an established order or custom; as, an innovation in religion or politics. — from change

Synonyms

changealterationconversiondiversitymutationnoveltyregenerationrenewalrenewingrevolutiontransformationtransitiontransmutationvariationvarietyvicissitude

Antonyms

constancycontinuancefirmnessfixednessfixityidentityinvariabilitypermanencepersistencesteadinessunchangeablenessuniformity

etymologyWebster’s online