Library / English Dictionary

WAXING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

The application of wax to a surface

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("waxing" is a kind of...):

application; coating; covering (the work of applying something)

Derivation:

wax (cover with wax)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A gradual increase in magnitude or extent

Example:

the waxing of the moon

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Hypernyms ("waxing" is a kind of...):

increase (a change resulting in an increase)

Antonym:

waning (a gradual decrease in magnitude or extent)

Derivation:

wax (go up or advance)

wax (increase in phase)

 II. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of the moon) pertaining to the period during which the visible surface of the moon increases

Example:

the waxing moon passes from new to full

Classified under:

Adjectives

Antonym:

waning ((of the Moon) pertaining to the period during which the visible surface of the moon decreases)

 III. (verb) 

Sense 1

-ing form of the verb wax

Credits