descent
noun
- flight maneuver
- mathematical concept
- decrease in elevation or altitude
- to come down, lower oneself, or arrive, lowering
- active downward movement
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /dɪˈsɛnt/ / /dəˈsɛnt/ / /diˈsɛnt/
noun
Etymology: From Middle English and Anglo-Norman descente, from Anglo-Norman descendre (“to descend”); see descend. Compare ascent, ascend. Doublet of desant.
- An instance of descending; act of coming down.
“We climbed the mountain with difficulty, but the descent was easier.”
“The descent continues, still more steeply to Dundee (Tay Bridge), and approaching from the bridge itself this sharp descent gives the curious appearance that the station is below the level of the firth.”
- 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; decline.
“After that, the holiday went into a steep descent.”
- A falling upon or invasion.
- A particular extension of the idea of gluing.