industrial revolution Definition

1. The rapid development of a country's industry, characterized by a change from small-scale production to increased mechanization and mass production in factories.

Form: Industrial Revolution (sometimes)
2. historical
In Britain from the last quarter of the 18c: this process, initiated by the mechanization of the cotton and woollen industries of Lancashire, etc, resulting in a concentration of cotton and woollen mills in towns, and hugely increased rates of urbanization.
Form: the Industrial Revolution