Main Entry: ¹si·lence

Pronunciation: \ˈsī-lən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin silentium, from silent-, silens

Date: 13th century

1 : forbearance from speech or noise : muteness —often used interjectionally
2 : absence of sound or noise : stillness <in the silence of the night>
3 : absence of mention: a : oblivion, obscurity b : secrecy <weapons research was conducted in silence>