I. -ənt, - ə nt adjective
Etymology: back-formation from decadence
1. : marked by decay or decline (as from an earlier condition of excellence or vitality): as
a. : characterized by self-indulgence
a rich and decadent aristocracy
b. : tending to regress : becoming less prominent
shell ornamentation decadent
— used chiefly in taxonomic diagnoses
2.
a. : of, relating to, or having the qualities characteristic of the decadents
b. : of, relating to, or having the qualities characteristic of a period of decadence
• dec·a·dent·ly adverb
II. noun
( -s )
1. : one that is decadent ; especially : one characterized by or exhibiting the qualities of those who are degenerating to a lower type or of an age that is on the decline
2. : one of a group of late 19th century French and English writers whose subjects often tended toward the artificial and abnormal and whose style was marked especially by refinement and subtlety