descent
/dɪˈsent; dɪ`sɛnt/ n
1
(a) [C usu sing 通常作单数]
coming or going down 下来; 下去
The plane began its descent into Paris. 飞机到巴黎开始降落.
(b) [C] slope 斜坡
Here there is a gradual descent to the sea. 这里有个通向海的缓坡.
2 [U] origins; ancestry 出身; 血统; 祖先; 祖籍
of French descent, ie having French ancestors 祖籍法国
He traces his descent from the Stuart kings. 他的祖先可追溯至斯图亚特国王.
3 [C] ~(on/upon sb/sth) (fig 比喻)
(a) attack 攻击; 袭击
the invaders' descent on the town 入侵者对该城的攻击.
(b) unexpected or inconvenient visit 出乎意料的或不合时宜的到访
a sudden descent by tax officials 税务官员之突然到来.
4 [sing] change to behaviour that is low and unworthy 堕落
a sharp descent to violent abuse 突然粗俗得破口大骂.