v.
1. intr. a disappear suddenly. b disappear gradually; fade away.
2 intr. cease to exist.
3 intr. Math. become zero.
4 tr. cause to disappear.
Phrases and idioms:
vanishing cream an ointment that leaves no visible trace when rubbed into the skin. vanishing-point
1. the point at which receding parallel lines viewed in perspective appear to meet.
2 the state of complete disappearance of something.
Etymology: ME f. OF e(s)vaniss- stem of e(s)vanir ult. f. L evanescere (as EX-(1), vanus empty)