dɪˈsent n. 1 a
the act of descending. b an
instance of
this. c a
downward movement. 2 a a
way or
path etc. by
which one may descend. b a downward
slope. 3 a
being descended;
lineage,
family origin (traces
his descent
from William the Conqueror). b the
transmission of qualities,
property, privileges,
etc., by
inheritance. 4 a a
decline; a
fall. b a lowering (of pitch,
temperature, etc.). 5 a
sudden violent attack. [ME f. OF descente f. descendre DESCEND]