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.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)