adverb & adjective.
With gradually diminishing force or loudness. Used chiefly as a direction.
noun.
A gradual decrease in force or loudness.
noun.
A decrescendo passage.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
noun.
In music, a gradual diminution of force; a passing from loud to soft: opposed to crescendo, and the same as diminuendo: often indicated by decres., dec., or the sign ⟩.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
With decreasing volume of sound; -- a direction to performers, either written upon the staff (abbreviated Dec., or Decresc.), or indicated by the sign.
noun.
An instruction to play gradually more softly.
verb.
To gradually become quieter
adjective.
becoming quieter gradually.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
adjective.
gradually decreasing in volume
noun.
(music) a gradual decrease in loudness
verb.
grow quieter
Word Usage
"The scene, she explains is a decrescendo, the denouement of everything that has happened before it; the build up and heyday of Rome; these women becoming trophy brides, the beautiful houses, clothes and hairdos - and it all falls apart."