I. ˈsēn noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, stage, from Latin scaena, scena, from Greek skēnē booth, tent, skene, stage; akin to Greek skia shadow, Sanskrit chāyā color, shadow — more at shine
1. : one of the subdivisions or units of a dramatic presentation: as
a. : a division of an act during which there is no change of place or lapse of continuity of time ; especially : a division in a classical Roman or French drama in which there is no change of persons and which ends with the entrance or exit of one or more characters
b. : a part of a drama or narrative featuring a single item (as a situation or dialogue)
a famous mad scene
c. : scena I 2
d.
(1) : an episode in a motion picture consisting of a shot or a succession of related shots in which a single continuous action is represented
(2) : a single sequence of continuous action in a television presentation consisting of one or more shots
2.
a. : the material objects (as hangings, sets, furnishings) that impart an air of reality to the background of a dramatic representation : stage scenery : stage set
a scene shifter
— often used in plural
went back of the scenes
b. : a real or imaginary prospect likened to that presented by stage scenery : view , sight , vista
a sylvan scene
the current scene
3.
a. : the place in which represented action (as in a play or story) is laid : surroundings amid which anything is set before the imagination
b. : the place of occurrence or action : locale
the scene of a historic event
the scene of this disaster
4. : the stage on which a play is presented especially in an ancient Greek or Roman theater
5.
a. scenes plural , obsolete : a theatrical presentation : a drama or other play
b. archaic : the drama as an art or profession
6.
a. : one of a sequence of actions and events especially as represented in literature or art
scenes of revelry and despair
each scene more stirring than the last
b. : an episode viewed in real or imagined action
their parting was a sad scene
7.
a. : an exhibition of passionate or explosive and usually irate emotion (as between individuals)
a tempestuous scene of tears and remorse
b. : an affected display of passion or temper
made a scene to get her own way
•
- behind the scenes
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to provide with scenes or scenery
III. noun
: a sphere of activity : a way of life
the social scene