/ weɪn; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb [ v ]
1.
to become gradually weaker or less important
SYN decrease , fade :
Her enthusiasm for the whole idea was waning rapidly.
2.
( of the moon ) to appear slightly smaller each day after being round and full
OPP of sense 2 wax
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IDIOMS
see wax verb
■ noun
[ sing. ]
•
IDIOMS
- on the wane
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English wanian lessen , of Germanic origin; related to Latin vanus vain.