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. [ 1913 Webster ] How silent is this town! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute; taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative. [ 1913 Webster ] Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most silent of men. Broome. [ 1913 Webster ] This new-created world, whereof in hell Fame is not silent. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind is silent. Parnell. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Pron.) Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e is silent in “fable.” [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Having no effect; not operating; inefficient. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ] Silent partner. See Dormant partner, under Dormant. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Mute; taciturn; dumb; speechless; quiet; still. See Mute, and Taciturn. [ 1913 Webster ] |