Main Entry: scene

Pronunciation: \ˈsēn\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French, stage, from Latin scena, scaena stage, scene, probably from Etruscan, from Greek skēnē 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>