WANE

I. intransitive verb (~d; waning) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wanian; akin to Old High German wanōn to ~, Old English wan wanting, deficient, Latin vanus empty, vain Date: before 12th century to decrease in size, extent, or degree ; dwindle : as, to diminish in phase or intensity, to become less brilliant or powerful ; dim , to flow out ; ebb , to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence, see: abate II. noun Date: 14th century 1. the act or process of waning , a period or time of waning, a defect in lumber characterized by bark or a lack of wood at a corner or edge