# ascendant

/əˈsɛndənt/ (US) · /ɐsˈɛndənt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ascendant
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the position of a planet or star when it is moving toward the east in the sky. This is the opposite of 'descending'.

For teachers: the position of a celestial body when it is moving eastward in its orbit. Often used in the context of planetary motion to describe the transition from retrograde to direct motion.

## Examples

- The planet reached its ascendant position last night.
- Astronomers noted that the planet's ascendant phase began just before the summer solstice.
- The ascendant of the moon marks a significant point in the lunar cycle, often associated with increased gravitational pull and tidal activity across the globe.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.