declension

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈklɛnʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1(in the grammar of Latin, Greek, and certain other languages) the variation of the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective, by which its grammatical case, number, and gender are identified.
  • [count noun] the class to which a noun or adjective is assigned according to the manner of this variation: this declension involves only two endings, a nominative and an oblique
  • 2 archaic a condition of decline or moral deterioration: the declension of the new generation

Derivatives

declensional

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English declinson, from Old French declinaison, from decliner 'to decline'. The change in the ending was probably due to association with words such as ascension