EBB

ebb, reflux

(noun) the outward flow of the tide

ebb, ebbing, wane

(noun) a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)

ebb

(verb) fall away or decline; “The patient’s strength ebbed away”

ebb

(verb) hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb

ebb, ebb away, ebb down, ebb out, ebb off

(verb) flow back or recede; “the tides ebbed at noon”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

ebb (plural ebbs)

The receding movement of the tide.

A gradual decline.

A low state; a state of depression.

A European bunting, the corn bunting (Emberiza calandra, syns. Emberiza miliaria, Milaria calandra).

Antonyms

• flood

• flow

Verb

ebb (third-person singular simple present ebbs, present participle ebbing, simple past and past participle ebbed)

(intransitive) to flow back or recede

(intransitive) to fall away or decline

(intransitive) to fish with stakes and nets that serve to prevent the fish from getting back into the sea with the ebb

(transitive) To cause to flow back.

Synonyms

ebb away, ebb down, ebb off, ebb out, reflux, wane

Adjective

ebb (comparative ebber, superlative ebbest)

low, shallow

Anagrams

• BBE

Source: Wiktionary

Ebb, n. (Zoöl.)

Definition: The European bunting.

Ebb, n. Etym: [AS. ebba; akin to Fries. ebba, D. eb, ebbe, Dan. & G. ebbe, Sw. ebb, cf. Goth. ibuks backward; prob. akin to E. even.]

1. The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; -- opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb. Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow Claspest the limits of morality! Shelley.

2. The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; low state or condition; decline; decay. "Our ebb of life." Roscommon. Painting was then at its lowest ebb. Dryden. Ebb and flow, the alternate ebb and flood of the tide; often used figuratively. This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial. A. T. Hadley.

Ebb, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ebbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ebbing.] Etym: [AS. ebbian; akin to D. & G. ebben, Dan. ebbe. See 2d Ebb.]

1. To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean;

– opposed to flow. That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow. Pope.

2. To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede. The hours of life ebb fast. Blackmore.

Syn.

– To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane; sink; lower.

Ebb, v. t.

Definition: To cause to flow back. [Obs.] Ford.

Ebb, a.

Definition: Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low. The water there is otherwise very low and ebb. Holland.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

EBB