fogyatkozás

Fogyatkozás is the Hungarian word for waning or decrease. It is most commonly used in astronomy to describe the period of the Moon's illumination when it is decreasing after the full moon. This period begins with the Full Moon and continues through the Third Quarter, ending at the New Moon. During this phase, the illuminated portion of the Moon appears to shrink from the perspective of Earth.

The term can also be applied more broadly to any situation involving a gradual reduction or decline. For instance, it might be used metaphorically to describe the fading of a memory, the diminishment of a resource, or the decline of a trend. In a scientific context, it can refer to a decrease in a quantity or measurement over time.

In Hungary, the concept of fogyatkozás is part of everyday language and understanding, particularly in relation to celestial cycles. The Moon's phases are a familiar phenomenon, and the waning period is a distinct and observable part of its monthly journey across the night sky. Beyond astronomy, the word's versatility allows for its use in various contexts where a gradual reduction is being described.