descent

noun

1. 1

   An instance of descending; act of coming down.

   “We climbed the mountain with difficulty, but the descent was easier.”

2. 2

   A way down.

   “We had difficulty in finding the correct descent.”

3. 3

   A sloping passage or incline.

   “The descent into the cavern was wet and slippery.”

4. 4

   Lineage or hereditary derivation.

   “Our guide was of Welsh descent.”

5. 5

   A drop to a lower status or condition; decline.

   “After that, the holiday went into a steep descent.”

6. 6

   A falling upon or invasion.

7. 7

   A particular extension of the idea of gluing. See Descent (mathematics).