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n. 1. The act or process of ascending; ascent. 2. Astronomy The rising of a star above the horizon. 3. Ascension a. In Christianity, the bodily rising of Jesus into heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection. b. A feast celebrating this event, observed on Ascension Day. [Middle English ascensioun, from Old French ascention, from Latin ascēnsiō, ascēnsiōn-, from ascēnsus, past participle of ascendere, to ascend; see ASCEND.] as·cension·al adj. |
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