Ebb /(ĕb)/

1. The European bunting. (Zoöl.)

1. The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; -- opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb.

   Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow Claspest the limits of morality!

2. The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; low state or condition; decline; decay.

   Painting was then at its lowest ebb.

   This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial.

imp. & p. p. Ebbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ebbing

1. To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; -- opposed to flow.

   That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow.

2. To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede.

   The hours of life ebb fast.

1. To cause to flow back. [Obs.]

1. Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.

   The water there is otherwise very low and ebb.