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Definition of crescent
1a : the moon at any stage between new moon and first quarter and between last quarter and the succeeding new moon when less than half of the illuminated hemisphere is visibleb : the figure of the moon at such a stage defined by a convex (see convex 1a) and a concave (see 1concave 2) edge
2 : something shaped like a crescent The crescent is used as the symbol of Islam.
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crescent was our Word of the Day on 06/26/2009. Hear the podcast!
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Recent Examples of crescent from the Web
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One of the two major holidays of Islam, it is determined by observation of the crescent moon, or calculations of when the moon is supposed to be visible.
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A 25,000-year-old limestone carving discovered in a rock shelter in France depicts a pregnant woman holding what appears to be a bison horn with the swoop of a crescent moon and 13 small notches—a possible paean to reproductive and lunar cycles.
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Now tensions are rising in the Gulf region’s crescent of conflict.
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The disease, which disproportionately affects blacks and Latinos, causes the body to produce abnormal blood cells shaped like crescents or sickles rather than discs.
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From cheesecake and cupcakes to filled crescents and strawberry donuts, Barbara has helped her mom dream-up a varied menu of offerings.
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Shadow bands occur just before C2 and right after C3, when the sun is just a sliver in the sky like a thin crescent moon.
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Early-bird sky-watchers willing to set their alarms for an hour before local sunrise will get a chance to see the crescent moon in a tight formation with the brightest star-like object in the sky, the planet Venus.
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Sue Shaw, Feeding the Flock North Side Baptist Church Blueberry Cobbler ▪ 1 1/2 c. blueberries ▪ 1/2 c. sugar ▪ 3/4 c. water ▪ 1 can big crescent rolls ▪ 1 stick butter 1.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crescent'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of crescent
Middle English cressant, from Anglo-French, from present participle of crestre to grow, increase, from Latin crescere; akin to Old High German hirsi millet, Lithuanian šerti to feed, Greek koros boy
crescent
Definition of crescent
: marked by an increase : increasing “My powers are crescent … ” — William Shakespeare
Did You Know?
You probably know "crescent" as the shape of a moon that is less than half-illuminated. These days, "crescent" is generally used of either a waxing or waning moon, but that wasn't always the case. Originally, it referred only to the increasing illumination phase that immediately follows the new moon. That original meaning nicely reflects the meaning of the word's Latin ancestor crescere, which means "to grow." The meaning of "crescere" also shines through when we use "crescent" as an adjective meaning "increasing" or "growing." English speakers have been using "crescent" in this way since the 16th century.
Origin and Etymology of crescent
Latin crescent-, crescens, present participle of crescere —see 1crescent
Crescent
playDefinition of Crescent
—used for an adjustable open-end wrench
CRESCENT Defined for English Language Learners
crescent
playDefinition of crescent for English Language Learners
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: the shape of the visible part of the moon when it is less than half full
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: a shape that is curved, wide at its center, and pointed at its two ends like a crescent moon
CRESCENT Defined for Kids
Definition of crescent for Students
1 : the shape of the visible part of the moon when it is less than half full
2 : something shaped like a crescent moon
Definition of crescent for Students
: shaped like the crescent moon crescent rolls
Medical Dictionary
crescent
playMedical Definition of crescent
1: a crescent-shaped anatomical structure or section
2: the gametocyte of the falciparum malaria parasite that is shaped like a crescent and constitutes a distinguishing character of malignant tertian malaria
Learn More about crescent
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Spanish Central: Translation of crescent Nglish: Translation of crescent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of crescent for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crescent
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