noun
- (On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life) a treatise (1859) by Charles Darwin setting forth his theory of evolution.
(1859) A book by Charles Darwin explaining his theory of evolution. It provoked great controversy; by casting doubt on the historical accuracy of the biblical accounts of Creation, it caused many believers to question their faith in Christianity. (See creationism and Scopes trial.)