waning moon

American  

noun

1. the moon at any time after the full moon and before the new moon, so called because its illuminated area is decreasing.

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Usage

What is a waning moon? The moon is called a waning moon when it is in the phase in which its visible surface area is getting smaller. A waning moon occurs between a full moon (when the visible surface is fully round and lit up) and a new moon (when the surface that faces Earth is completely covered in shadow).To wane is to decrease in some way. A moon is any natural satellite that orbits a planet, and the moon is Earth’s only natural satellite.While the moon could be said to be a waning moon at any time between a full moon and a new moon, a waning moon is frequently depicted as a crescent shape.

Etymology

Origin of waning moon

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Compare meaning

How does waning-moon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• waxing vs. waning moon
• waxing moon vs. waning moon