any shape resembling the curved shape of the moon in its first or last quarters
"The small garden pond was shaped like a crescent, curving gently along the edge of the lawn."
The figure of the moon as it appears between its first or last quarter and the new moon, with concave and convex edges terminating in points.
"The crescent moon hung low on the horizon, its slender silver shape marking the end of the night before dawn."
In plain English: A crescent is a thin, curved shape that looks like a sliver of something missing from a circle or moon.
"The moon looked like a thin silver crescent hanging in the dark sky."
Usage: Use "crescent" to describe any object shaped like a curved sliver with pointed ends, such as the moon between its new and full phases. Avoid confusing this specific shape with other curves that lack distinct points or concave edges.
To form into a crescent, or something resembling a crescent.
"The herd of gazelles arranged themselves in a crescent around the waterhole."
"The tide began to crescent toward shore, gently washing over the sand."
resembling the new moon in shape
"The crescent moon hung low in the night sky, its slender curve glowing softly above the treetops."
marked by an increase; waxing, like the Moon.
"The crescent economy showed steady growth as new investments flowed in during the quarter."
In plain English: Crescent describes something shaped like a thin, curved sliver of the moon that is not yet full or has already started to fade away.
"The crescent moon hung low in the dark sky, casting a curved shadow over the lake."
The word crescent comes from the Old French creissant, meaning "crescent of the moon," which was borrowed into Middle English as cressaunt. It ultimately traces back to a Latin root that means "to grow" or "arise."