Etymology : Middle English, from Latin ascension-, ascensio, from ascendere
Pronunciation : &-'sen(t)-sh&n
Function : noun
Date : 14th century
1. process of ascending, rising, climbing, mounting. ascension\as*cen"sion\, n. [f. ascension, l. ascensio, fr. ascendere. see:
ascend.].
2. the act of ascending; a rising; ascent.
3. specifically: the visible ascent of our savior on the fortieth day after his resurrection. (. 9.) also, ascension day.
4. an ascending or arising, as in distillation; also that which arises, as from distillation. vaporous ascensions from the stomach. t. browne.ascension day, the thursday but one before whitsuntide, the day on which commemorated our savior's ascension into heaven after his resurrection; -- called also holy thursday.
5. The act of ascending; a rising; ascent.
6. Specifically: The visible ascent of our Savior on the fortieth day after his resurrection. Also, Ascension Day.
7. An ascending or arising, as in distillation; also that which arises, as from distillation. the rising of a star above the horizon the rising of the body of Jesus into heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection celebration of the Ascension of Christ into heaven; observed on the 40th day after Easter.
8. 1. In some religions, when someone goes to heaven, you can refer to their ascension to heaven. the two-day holiday marking the Prophet's ascension to heaven.
9. The ascension of a person to a high rank or important position is the act of reaching this position. 50 years after his ascension to the Cambodian throne. In Christian belief, the ascent of Jesus into heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. The Book of Acts relates that, after several appearances to the Apostles over a period of 40 days, Jesus was taken up in their presence and hidden behind a cloud, a symbol of God's presence. The event is thought to indicate a new relationship between Jesus and God and between Jesus and his followers. The feast of the Ascension is universally observed by Christians, and its celebration emphasizes the kingship of Christ. Since the 4th century, it has been celebrated 40 days after Easter and 10 days before Pentecost.