n.
Pronunciation: ' s ē n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, stage, from Latin scena, scaena stage, scene, probably from Etruscan, from Greek sk ē n ē shelter, tent, building forming the background for a dramatic performance, stage; perhaps akin to Greek skia shadow ― more at SHINE
Date: circa 1520
1 : one of the subdivisions of a play: as a : a division of an act presenting continuous action in one place b : a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play <the love scene > c : a motion-picture or television episode or sequence
2 a : a stage setting b : a real or imaginary prospect suggesting a stage setting <a sylvan scene >
3 : the place of an occurrence or action : LOCALE < scene of the crime>
4 : an exhibition of anger or indecorous behavior <make a scene >
5 a : sphere of activity <the drug scene > b : SITUATION <a bad scene >
– behind the scenes
1 : out of public view also : in secret
2 : in a position to see the hidden workings <taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government ⋯ has operated ― William Clark>