descent

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Wikipedia

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Related terms 1.3.3 Antonyms 1.3.4 Translations 1.3.5 External links

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

< Middle English and Anglo-Norman descente < Anglo-Norman descendre (“‘to descend’”); see descend. Cf. ascent, ascend.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /dɪˈsɛnt/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

descent (plural descents)

1. An instance of descending

   We climbed the mountain with difficulty, but the descent was easier.

2. A way down.

   We had difficulty in finding the correct descent.

3. A sloping passage or incline.

   The descent into the cavern was wet and slippery.

4. Lineage or hereditary derivation

   Our guide was of Welsh descent.

5. A drop to a lower status or condition.

   After that, the holiday went into a steep descent.

[edit] Usage notes

• Sometimes confused with decent.

[edit] Related terms

• descend

[edit] Antonyms

• (going down): ascent

[edit] Translations

[edit] External links

• descent in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• descent in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911