Descendent

/dɪˈsɛndənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person or animal that is descended from a particular ancestor; an offspring.
She is a descendent of a long line of artists.
A plant or animal that has evolved from an earlier form.
The modern horse is a descendent of prehistoric species.
A beneficiary or heir in a family line.
As the sole descendent of the estate, he inherited the family home.

Etymology

From Latin 'descendens', present participle of 'descendere', meaning 'to descend'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bloodline descendent:
A person in the direct line of descent from an ancestor.
lineal descendent:
Pertaining to direct ancestors and their direct descendants.

Related Words

Slang Meanings