descent
UK[dɪˈsɛnt]US[dɪˈsɛnt]
n
an act of moving downwards, dropping, or falling
n
the origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality
n
a sudden, unwelcome visit or attack
Morpheme Breakdown
de
scent
de
down
scent
climb
Etymology
the word 'descent' entered english in the late 14th century from old french descente, which itself derives from the latin verb descendere, meaning 'to climb down'. this latin term is a compound of the prefix de- ('down') and the verb scandere ('to climb'). the core logic of moving from a higher to a lower position remains central to its physical meaning. over time, this concept of 'moving down' was metaphorically extended to describe lineage (moving down a family tree) and the idea of a sudden, downward-like movement, such as an attack.
Analysis
Structure: de (down) + scent (climb)
de- (a Latin prefix meaning 'down from, away'); -scent (from Latin scandere, 'to climb', via Old French)
Examples
the plane began its rapid descent through the clouds.
she is of italian descent on her mother's side.
the town feared a descent by enemy soldiers at any moment.