n.
the movement of the tide out to sea.
v.
- (of tidewater) move away from the land; recede. Compare with flow.
-
(often ebb away)
(of an emotion or quality) gradually decrease.
Phrase
- at a low ebb
in a poor state.
Etymology
OE ebba (n.), ebbian (v.), of W. Gmc origin; ult. rel. to of.