descent

de·scent

noun \di-ˈsent\

Definition of DESCENT

1

a : derivation from an ancestor : birth, lineage <of French descent> b : transmission or devolution of an estate by inheritance usually in the descending line c : the fact or process of originating from an ancestral stock d : the shaping or development in nature and character by transmission from a source : derivation

2

: the act or process of descending

3

: a step downward in a scale of gradation; specifically : one generation in an ancestral line or genealogical scale

4

a : an inclination downward : slope b : a descending way (as a downgrade or stairway) c obsolete : the lowest part

5

a : attack, invasion b : a sudden disconcerting appearance (as for a visit)

6

: a downward step (as in station or value) : decline <descent of the family to actual poverty>

Examples of DESCENT

1. The book describes his descent into a deep depression after the death of his wife.
2. her slow descent to a life of addiction
3. The only path that goes down to the river is a rather steep descent, so be careful.

Origin of DESCENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French descente, from Anglo-French descendre

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DESCENT

Synonyms: dip, dive, down, drop, fall, nosedive, plunge

Antonyms: ascent, climb, rise, rising, soaring, upswing, upturn

Related Words: downcome; comedown, decline, downfall, downgrade; plummeting, sinking

Near Antonyms: advance, headway, progress, progression; betterment, improvement

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

Rhymes with DESCENT

absent, accent, Advent, anent, ascent, assent, augment, besprent, cement, comment, consent, content, convent, detent, dissent, docent, event, extent, ferment, foment, fragment, frequent, hell-bent, indent, intent, invent, lament, loment, low-rent, mordent, outspent, percent, pigment, portent, present, prevent, pup tent, quitrent, rack-rent, relent, repent, resent, segment, Shymkent, Tashkent, torment, well-meant, wisent