descent

Meaning

Noun

• An instance of descending; act of coming down.
• A way down.
• A sloping passage or incline.
• Lineage or hereditary derivation.
• A drop to a lower status or condition; decline.
• A falling upon or invasion.
• A particular extension of the idea of gluing. See Descent (mathematics).

Related

Opposite words

• ascent

Origin

• From Middle English and Anglo-Norman descente, from Anglo-Norman descendre ("to descend"); see descend. Compare ascent, ascend. desant.