The term 'diminishes' can be defined as a gradual decrease in size, amount, or strength. This can be seen in the crossword solutions provided, such as 'fades' (5 letters), which means to gradually become less bright or vivid; 'ebbs' (4 letters), which means to gradually recede; 'SAPS' (4 letters), which means to weaken gradually; 'wanes' (5 letters), which means to gradually decrease in size or strength; 'abates' (6 letters), which means to become less intense; 'ERODES' (6 letters), which means to gradually wear away; 'tapers' (6 letters), which means to become gradually smaller or narrower; 'lessens' (7 letters), which means to become smaller or fewer; 'detracts' (8 letters), which means to take away from the value or importance of something; and 'DWINDLES' (8 letters), which means to become gradually smaller or weaker. All of these words describe a gradual decrease in size, amount, or strength, which is the definition of the term 'diminishes'.