Gradually becoming smaller, weaker, or less important; describing something that is decreasing or fading away.
From Old English 'wanian' meaning 'to decrease' or 'to lack.' Originally used to describe the moon appearing smaller as it moved through its phases, but expanded to describe any gradual decrease.
The moon's waning phase inspired entire human cultures—ancient calendars were based on tracking this cycle, and the word reminds us how our ancestors watched the sky to understand time.
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