Main Entry: si·lent

Pronunciation: \ˈsī-lənt\

Function: adjective

1 : not exhibiting the usual signs or symptoms of presence <a silent infection> <silent gallstones> <silent tuberculosis> <silent ischemia>
2 : yielding no detectable response to stimulation—used especially of an association area of the brain <silent cortex>
3 : having no detectable function or effect <silent DNA> <silent genes>

—si·lent·ly adverb