n.
Pronunciation: ' s ī -l ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin silentium, from silent-, silens
Date: 13th century
1 : forbearance from speech or noise : MUTENESS ― often used interjectionally
2 : absence of sound or noise : STILLNESS <in the silence of the night>
3 : absence of mention: a : OBLIVION , OBSCURITY b : SECRECY <weapons research was conducted in silence >