What is the meaning of the term 'decedent'?

The term 'decedent' specifically refers to a person who has died. This terminology is commonly used in legal contexts, particularly in matters related to estates, wills, and probate proceedings. When discussing the assets and liabilities of an individual who has passed away, the term helps differentiate between persons who are alive and those who have deceased. Understanding this definition is crucial in the context of legal documentation and procedures that follow a person's death, such as the administration of their estate and the distribution of their assets to heirs.