crescent: Meaning and Definition of

cres•cent

Pronunciation: (kres'unt), [key]
— n.
  1. a shape resembling a segment of a ring tapering to points at the ends.
  2. something, as a roll or cookie, having this shape.
    1. the figure of the moon in its first or last quarter, resembling a segment of a ring tapering to points at the ends. See diag. undermoon.
    2. the similar figure of Mercury and Venus on either side of inferior conjunction, when seen through a telescope.
  3. the emblem of Turkey or of Islam.
  4. the power, religion, or civilization of Turkey or of Islam.
  5. Also calleda musical percussion instrument of Turkish origin, consisting of a pole bearing a crescent-shaped metal plate, topped with a pavillon, and hung with small bells.
    1. a curved street, often having solid façades of unified architectural design.
    2. the curve or curved portion of a street.
  6. a representation of a crescent moon, horns upward unless otherwise specified, used as the cadency mark of a second son.
—adj.
  1. shaped like a crescent.
  2. increasing; growing.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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