Definition of "descent"

descent

/dɪˈsɛnt/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural descents
1. An instance of descending; act of coming down.
  Quotations
  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. A way down.
3. A sloping passage or incline.
4. Lineage or hereditary derivation.
5. A drop to a lower status or condition; decline.
6. A falling upon or invasion.
7. (topology) A particular extension of the idea of gluing.