quiescence

noun

qui·​es·​cence kwī-ˈe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce quiescence (audio) kwē- How to pronounce quiescence (audio)
: the quality or state of being quiescent

Examples of quiescence in a Sentence

the resort community's social scene is lively during the summer but undergoes a deep quiescence during the long winter was struck by the elk's quiescence as it just stood there in the clearing
Recent Examples on the Web The thing that stood out was the relative quiescence engendered by economic growth. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2010 As for Eyjafjallajökull itself, the eruption still appears to be in a state of quiescence, with little more than steam coming from the vent. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2010 Like quiescence, aggressive defense is a tactic of last resort. Jeff Wise, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2010 After a few years of quiescence, all signs point to mega-mergers reappearing on the horizon. Sachin H. Jain, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 The possibility of support from China and Russia—coupled with the quiescence of Western democracies—will allow many governments to be less responsive to their citizens and cater to a narrow elite. Foreign Affairs, 20 Sep. 2023 But failing to supply electricity carries economic and political risks, especially for nations whose authoritarian regimes have governed according to a simple rule: cheap basic services in exchange for public quiescence. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2023 After a period of relative quiescence, the regime now feels strong enough to push back, not only against the material strength and physical presence of the United States and its democratic allies but also against the insidious threat of their liberal democratic ideals. Aaron L. Friedberg, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2020 Such signals could provide invaluable clues to the volcano’s subterranean happenings during periods of quiescence, when scientists have few ways to determine what will happen next. Maya Wei-Haas, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quiescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quiescence was circa 1631

Dictionary Entries Near quiescence

Cite this Entry

“Quiescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quiescence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

quiescence

noun
qui·​es·​cence kwī-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce quiescence (audio) kwē- How to pronounce quiescence (audio)
: the quality or state of being quiescent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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