Si"lent (?), a. [L. silens, -entis, p. pr. of silere to be silent; akin to Goth. ana-silan.]

1.

Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.

How silent is this town! Shak.

2.

Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative.

Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men. Broome.

This new-created world, whereof in hell Fame is not silent. Milton.

3.

Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind is silent.

Parnell. Sir W. Raleigh.

4. Pron.

Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e is silent in

"fable."

5.

Having no effect; not operating; inefficient.

[R.]

Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead. Sir W. Raleigh.

Silent partner. See Dormant partner, under Dormant.

Syn. -- Mute; taciturn; dumb; speechless; quiet; still. See Mute, and Taciturn.

 

© Webster 1913.


Si"lent, n.

That which is silent; a time of silence.

[R.] "The silent of the night."

Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.

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