Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Innovation \In`no*va"tion\, n. [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.

Source : WordNet®

innovation
     n 1: a creation (a new device or process) resulting from study
          and experimentation [syn: {invention}]
     2: the creation of something in the mind [syn: {invention}, {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"; "he regards the fork as a modern
        introduction" [syn: {initiation}, {founding}, {foundation},
         {institution}, {origination}, {creation}, {introduction},
         {instauration}]