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(), a.[L. silens, -entis, p. pr. of silere to be silent; akin to Goth. ana-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. Si"lent n.That which is silent; a time of silence. [R.] "The silent of the night." Shak. スポンサード リンク
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