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wane1

Pronunciation: /weɪn/
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Definition of wane

verb

[no object]
  • 1(of the moon) have a progressively smaller part of its visible surface illuminated, so that it appears to decrease in size.
  • 2(of a state or feeling) decrease in vigour or extent; become weaker:confidence in the dollar waned

Phrases

on the wane

becoming weaker or less extensive:the epidemic was on the wane

Origin:

Old English wanian 'lessen', of Germanic origin; related to Latin vanus 'vain'

wane in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of wane in the US English dictionary

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