[ 'krɛz(ə)nt , -s- ]
■ noun
1》 the curved shape of the waxing or waning moon.
2》 a thing which has the shape of a single curve, especially when broad in the centre and tapering to a point at each end.
↘ chiefly Brit. a street or terrace of houses forming an arc.
3》 ( the Crescent ) chiefly historical the political power of Islam or of the Ottoman Empire.
■ adjective
1》 having the shape of a ~: a ~ moon.
2》 literary growing, increasing, or developing.
Derivatives
~ic -'sɛntɪk adjective
Origin
ME cressant , from OFr. creissant , from L. crescere 'grow'; sense 3 is from the ~-shaped emblem of Islam or Turkey.