Si"lent , n. That which is
silent; a time of silence. [R.]
"The silent of the night."
Shak.
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.
Hear it pronounced