I. noun
also as·cen·dent ə-ˈsen-dənt
Etymology: Middle English ascendent, from Medieval Latin ascendent-, ascendens, from Latin, present participle of ascendere
Date: 14th century
1. : the point of the ecliptic or degree of the zodiac that rises above the eastern horizon at any moment
2. : a state or position of dominant power or importance
3. : a lineal or collateral relative in the ascending line
II. adjective
also ascendent
Date: 1591
1.
a. : moving upward : rising
b. : directed upward
an ascendant stem
2.
a. : superior
b. : dominant 1a
• as·cen·dant·ly adverb