descension

[ dih-sen-shuhn ]

noun

1. Astrology. the part of the zodiac in which the influence of a planet is weakest. Compare exaltation ( def 6 ).
2. descent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of descension¹

1350–1400; Middle English descensioun < Old French descension < Latin dēscēnsiōn- (stem of dēscēnsiō ), equivalent to dēscēns ( us ) (past participle of dēscendere to descend ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The inclination of the cylinder, which is variable, promotes the gradual descension of the ore from the higher to the lower end.

From Project Gutenberg

When there should have been an ascension there was a descension.

From Project Gutenberg

It marks a descension from the higher plane reached by the vigorous pioneers who planted and reared our social tree.

From Project Gutenberg