descent

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /dɪˈsɛnt/

• Audio (US)

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Noun

Singular descent

Plural descents

1. (countable & uncountable) A descent is the act of going down something, for example a mountain.

   Going up the mountain was very tiring, but the descent seemed easier.

2. (countable) A descent is the way down something.

   The descent on the east side of the mountain was particularly difficult.

3. A person's descent is where they or their family come from.

   The president was of African American descent.

Related words

• descend
• descendant