Main Entry: ¹wane

Pronunciation: \ˈwān\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): 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