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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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