WANE


Meaning of WANE in English

I. ˈwān intransitive verb

( waned ; wan·ing )

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wanian; akin to Old High German wanōn to wane, Old English wan wanting, deficient, Latin vanus empty, vain

Date: before 12th century

1. : to decrease in size, extent, or degree : dwindle : as

a. : to diminish in phase or intensity — used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets

b. : to become less brilliant or powerful : dim

c. : to flow out : ebb

2. : to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence

Synonyms: see abate

II. noun

Date: 14th century

1.

a. : the act or process of waning

strength on the wane

b. : a period or time of waning ; specifically : the period from the full moon to the new moon

2.

[Middle English, defect, from Old English wana; akin to Old English wan deficient]

: a defect in lumber characterized by bark or a lack of wood at a corner or edge

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.