descensive, a.
(dɪˈsɛnsɪv)
[f. L. dēscens-, ppl. stem of dēscendĕre: see -ive.]
1. Having the quality of descending (lit. and fig.); characterized by downward movement or tendency; the opposite of ascensive.
| 1611 Cotgr., Descensoire, descensiue, descending. 1658 Manton Exp. Jude 3 There is in man a natural desire to do his posterity good; love is descensive. 1811 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. XXXI. 425 Either from ascensive or descensive opinion. 1882 Owen in Longm. Mag. I. 68 The mammals who follow next after Bimana in the descensive series of mammalian orders. |
2. Gram. Diminishing the force; cf. ascensive 2.
| 1854 Ellicott Ep. Gal. 39 καὶ has also what may be termed a descensive force. |