descent

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An instance of descending; act of coming down.

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

2. 2
   noun

   A way down.

   We had difficulty in finding the correct descent.

3. 3
   noun

   A sloping passage or incline.

   The descent into the cavern was wet and slippery.

4. 4
   noun

   Lineage or hereditary derivation.

   Our guide was of Welsh descent.

5. 5
   noun

   A drop to a lower status or condition; decline.

   After that, the holiday went into a steep descent.

6. 6
   noun

   the act of changing your location in a downward direction

7. 7
   noun

   properties attributable to your ancestry

8. 8
   noun

   a movement downward

Etymology

From Middle English and Anglo-Norman descente, from Anglo-Norman descendre (“to descend”); see descend. Compare ascent, ascend. Doublet of desant.