quiescent
adjective
In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy; quiet and still. Describes something temporarily inactive but capable of becoming active again.
Etymology
From Latin "quiescens," present participle of "quiescere" (to rest, be quiet), from "quies" (rest). Related to "quiet" and "acquiesce."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The volcano remained quiescent for decades before its sudden eruption."
- 2.
"The virus can remain quiescent in the body for years."
- 3.
"During the quiescent winter months, the garden appeared lifeless."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
In medicine, quiescent diseases can suddenly reactivate. Herpes viruses, for example, remain quiescent in nerve cells for years before causing outbreaks triggered by stress or illness.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (Q, U, I, E, S, C, E, N, T)
Scrabble Value: 20 points
Tip: Words ending in "NT" are often good scoring opportunities.
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