descendant

[ dih-sen-duhnt ]

noun

1. a person or animal that is descended from a specific ancestor; an offspring.
2. something deriving in appearance, function, or general character from an earlier form.
3. an adherent who follows closely the teachings, methods, practices, etc., of an earlier master, as in art, music, philosophy, etc.; disciple.
4. Astrology.
   1. the point opposite the ascendant.
   2. the point of the ecliptic or the sign and degree of the zodiac setting below the western horizon at the time of a birth or of an event.
   3. the cusp of the seventh house.

adjective

1. descending; descendent.

descendant

¹

/ dɪˈsɛndənt /

noun

1. a person, animal, or plant when described as descended from an individual, race, species, etc
2. something that derives or is descended from an earlier form

adjective

1. a variant spelling of descendent

Descendant

²

/ dɪˈsɛndənt /

noun

1. astrology the point on the ecliptic lying directly opposite the Ascendant

Word History and Origins

Origin of descendant¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English descendaunt (adjective), from Old French descendant “going down,” present participle of descendre “to go down”; equivalent to descend + -ant

Example Sentences

It requires extensive research to determine whether the items were collected ethically, to identify descendants and to navigate complex international regulations on movement of human remains.

From BBC

Areva Martin, a lawyer representing the Section 14 residents and their descendants, did not respond to requests for comment Thursday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

The original film's sequel - Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh - set three years later sees Todd's iconic lead appear again in New Orleans, encountering a descendant of his daughter.

From BBC

Meanwhile a descendant of one of the lighthouse keepers said he was delighted by the discovery.

From BBC

The proposed constitutional amendment is part of a reparations package for descendants of African Americans enslaved in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• heir
• offspring
• scion