n. & v.
--n.
1. the movement of the tide out to sea (also attrib. : ebb tide).
2 the process of draining away of flood-water etc.
--v.intr. (often foll. by away)
1. (of tidewater) flow out to sea; recede; drain away.
2 decline; run low (his life was ebbing away).
Phrases and idioms:
at a low ebb in a poor condition or state of decline. ebb and flow a continuing process of decline and upturn in circumstances. on the ebb in decline.
Etymology: OE ebba, ebbian