descent

plural descents

1. countableuncountableAn instance of descending; act of coming down.

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

   3 more examples

   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.

   1947 January and February, O. S. Nock, “"The Aberdonian" in Wartime”, in Railway Magazine, page 7

   To the north the towering scree-strewn slopes of Saddleback begin to draw nearer as we start the abrupt descent towards Keswick.

   1961 October, 'Voyageur', “The Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith Railway”, in Trains Illustrated, page 601

   The next one surrendered his bike, only for that, too, to give him a second flat as he started the descent.

   2012 July 15, Richard Williams, Tour de France 2012: Carpet tacks cannot force Bradley Wiggins off track, Guardian Unlimited

2. countableuncountableA way down.

   We had difficulty in finding the correct descent.

3. countableuncountableA sloping passage or incline.

   The descent into the cavern was wet and slippery.

4. countableuncountableLineage or hereditary derivation.

   Our guide was of Welsh descent.

5. countableuncountableA drop to a lower status or condition; decline.

   After that, the holiday went into a steep descent.

6. countableuncountableA falling upon or invasion.
7. countableuncountablemathematicsA particular extension of the idea of gluing.