Decrescence

/dɪˈkresəns/ noun

Definition

The process or state of gradually decreasing or becoming smaller in size, amount, or intensity.

Etymology

From Latin 'decrescentia,' derived from 'decrescere' (to decrease). The prefix 'de-' means down, and 'crescent' relates to growing, so the word literally means 'un-growing.'

Kelly Says

Astronomers use 'decrescence' to describe the moon's waning phase—it's the fancy way of saying the moon is literally shrinking from our viewpoint!

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