Quiescent, a.
Etymology: [L. quiescens, -entis, p. pr. of quiescere: cf. F. quiescent. See Quiesce.]
1. Being in a state of repose; at rest; still; not moving; as, a quiescent body or fluid.
2. Not ruffed with passion; unagitated; not in action; not excited; quiet; dormant; resting. In times of national security, the feeling of patriotism . . . is so quiescent that it seems hardly to exist. Prof. Wilson.
3. (Gram.)
Not sounded; silent; as, y is quiescent in "day" and "say."
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Quiescent, n. (Gram.)
A silent letter. M. Stuart.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists quiescent only as an antonym, under active.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given