descent
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English and Anglo-Norman descente, from Anglo-Norman descendre (“to descend”); see descend. Compare ascent, ascend.
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
descent (plural descents)
- An instance of descending
- We climbed the mountain with difficulty, but the descent was easier.
- A way down.
- We had difficulty in finding the correct descent.
- A sloping passage or incline.
- The descent into the cavern was wet and slippery.
- Lineage or hereditary derivation
- Our guide was of Welsh descent.
- 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
[edit] Antonyms
- (going down): ascent
[edit] Translations
instance of descending
way down
sloping passage or incline
lineage or hereditary derivation
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drop to a lower status or condition
[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
