Definition of advances:
(v) :
To help the progress of (something); to further.
(v) :
To move forward in space or time.
(v) :
To move or push (something) forwards, especially forcefully.
(v) :
To make (something) happen at an earlier time or date; to bring forward, to hasten.
(v) :
(intransitive) To make progress; to do well, to succeed.
(v) :
(intransitive) To move forward in time; to progress towards completion.