wained

Wained refers to the period in the lunar cycle when the illuminated portion of the Moon, as seen from Earth, is decreasing. This phase begins after the full moon and continues through the last quarter until the new moon. During the wained period, the Moon appears to shrink in size over successive nights. The term is derived from the Old English word "wanian," meaning to decrease or diminish. It is the opposite of the waxing period, when the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing. The wained phase is often associated with introspection and a winding down. Astronomically, it describes the observable change in the Moon's apparent size as its orbital position changes relative to the Sun and Earth. The specific appearance of the wained Moon depends on the observer's location on Earth and the time of night.