D defs.my
Entry 6 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Silent

/sīl'-ənt/ · Si·lent · IPA /ˈsaɪlənt/
01 a. Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.
  1. 1.
    Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly quiet.
    “How silent is this town!” Shak.
  2. 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. 3.
    Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind is silent.
  4. 4.
    Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e is silent in “fable.”(Pron.)
  5. 5.
    Having no effect; not operating; inefficient.[R.]
    “Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead.” Sir W. Raleigh.
Phrases & compounds
Silent partner — See Dormant partner, under Dormant.
02 n. That which is silent; a time of silence.
  1. 1.
    That which is silent; a time of silence.[R.]