What does the word subsidence mean?

Usage examples for subsidence

  1. 2558. The great point to remember in measles is, not to give up the treatment with the apparent subsidence of the disease, as the after- consequences of measles are too often more serious, and to be more dreaded, than the measles themselves. – The Book of Household Management by Mrs. Isabella Beeton
  2. Patiently they waited for the subsidence of the waters, but more rain came and the camp grew hungrier than ever. – My Tropic Isle by E J Banfield