innovation
    n 1: a creation (a new device or process) resulting from study
         and experimentation [syn: invention, innovation]
    2: the creation of something in the mind [syn: invention,
       innovation, excogitation, conception, design]
    3: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing
       something new; "she looked forward to her initiation as an
       adult"; "the foundation of a new scientific society" [syn:
       initiation, founding, foundation, institution,
       origination, creation, innovation, introduction,
       instauration]

Innovation \In`no*va"tion\, n. [L. innovatio; cf. F.
   innovation.]
   1. The act of innovating; introduction of something new, in
      customs, rites, commercial products, etc. --Dryden.
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   2. A change effected by innovating; a change in customs;
      something new, and contrary to established customs,
      manners, or rites. --Bacon.
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            The love of things ancient doth argue stayedness,
            but levity and lack of experience maketh apt unto
            innovations.                          --Hooker.
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   3. (Bot.) A newly formed shoot, or the annually produced
      addition to the stems of many mosses.
      [1913 Webster]

INNOVATION, Scotch law. The exchange of one obligation for another, so that 
the second shall come in the place of the first. Bell's Scotch Law Dict. h. 
t. The same as Novation. (q. v.)