ebb (
http://definr.com/ebb)
n 1: a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
[syn:
ebbing,
wane]
2: the outward flow of the tide [syn:
reflux]
v 1: flow back or recede; "the tides ebbed at noon" [syn: {ebb
away},
ebb down,
ebb out,
ebb off] [ant:
tide]
2: hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from
going back into the sea with the ebb
3: fall away or decline; "The patient's strength ebbed away"