muter; mutest
Definition of mute
(Entry 1 of 4)
1 : unable to speak : lacking the power of speech
2 : characterized by absence of speech: such as
a : felt or experienced but not expressed
touched her hand in mute sympathy her mute hostility
b : refusing to plead directly or stand trial
the prisoner stands mute
3 : remaining silent, undiscovered, or unrecognized
The hounds generally hunt mute, so they can get close to the game.
4a : contributing nothing to the pronunciation of a word
the b in plumb is mute
b : contributing to the pronunciation of a word but not representing the nucleus of a syllable
the e in mate is mute
mute
noun plural mutes
Definition of mute (Entry 2 of 4)
1 : a device attached to or inserted into a musical instrument to soften or alter its tone
3 dated, offensive : a person who lacks the ability to speak
mute
verb (1)muted; muting
Definition of mute (Entry 3 of 4)
1 : to muffle, reduce, or eliminate the sound of
mute
verb (2)muted; muting
Definition of mute (Entry 4 of 4)
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Time Traveler for mute
The first known use of mute was in the 15th century
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