['kr?z(?)nt, -s-]
¦ noun
1. the curved shape of the waxing or waning moon.
2. a thing which has the shape of a single curve, especially when broad in the centre and tapering to a point at each end.
chiefly Brit. a street or terrace of houses forming an arc.
3. (the Crescent) chiefly historical the political power of Islam or of the Ottoman Empire.
¦ adjective
1. having the shape of a crescent: a crescent moon.
2. literary growing, increasing, or developing.
Derivatives
crescentic -'s?nt?k adjective
Origin
ME cressant, from OFr. creissant, from L. crescere 'grow'; sense 3 is from the crescent-shaped emblem of Islam or Turkey.