[scene] n [MF, stage, fr. L scena, scaena stage, scene, prob. fr. Etruscan, fr. Gk skene shelter, tent, building forming the background for a dramatic performance, stage; perh. akin to Gk skia shadow--more at shine] (1540) 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 ~" 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 ~"
3: the place of an occurrence or action: locale "~ of the crime"
4: an exhibition of anger or indecorous behavior "make a ~"
5. a: sphere of activity "the drug ~" b: situation "a bad ~" -- 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"