Descend  v. 1 go or come down. 2 sink, fall. 3 slope downwards. 4 (usu. Foll. By on) make a sudden attack or visit. 5 (of property etc.) Be passed on by inheritance. 6 a sink in rank, quality, etc. B (foll. By to) stoop to (an unworthy act).  be descended from have as an ancestor.  descendent adj. [latin scando climb]