descent Hear it!

descent definition

de·scent (dē sent, di-)

noun

  1. a descending; coming down or going down
  2. lineage; ancestry
  3. one generation (in a specified lineage)
  4. a downward slope
  5. a way down or downward
  6. a sudden attack, raid, or invasion (on or upon)
  7. a decline; fall
  8. a stooping (to an act)
  9. Law transference (of property) to heirs or offspring by inheritance

Etymology: ME descent < OFr descente < descendre: see descend

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook