decrescent

[ dih-kres-uhnt ]

adjective

1. diminishing; decreasing.
2. waning, as the moon.

decrescent

/ dɪˈkrɛsənt /

adjective

1. (esp of the moon) decreasing; waning

Derived Forms

• deˈcrescence, noun

Other Words From

• de·crescence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrescent¹

1600–10; < Latin dēcrēscent- (stem of dēcrēscēns ), present participle of dēcrēscere to decrease; -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrescent¹

C17: from Latin dēcrescēns growing less; see decrease

Example Sentences

Ensigned on the top as before all betwixt a decrescent and a star in fess or.

From Project Gutenberg

It had now a different sound, as there is a different note in the ascending and decrescent song of the lark.

From Project Gutenberg

The clock was striking two, as they reached Tom quad, and the decrescent moon to contradict him was already above the roofs.

From Project Gutenberg

The word neap is derived from the Saxon; it signifies low, decrescent, 120 and is used only of the tide.

From Project Gutenberg