quiescence

noun

qui·​es·​cence kwī-ˈe-sᵊn(t)s  kwē- 

: the quality or state of being quiescent

Synonyms

• abeyance
• cold storage
• deep freeze
• doldrums
• dormancy
• holding pattern
• latency
• moratorium
• suspended animation
• suspense
• suspension

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 seasons of the Sun 🌿☀️🍂❄️ Just as Earth has seasons, our Sun moves from times of frequent eruptions to stretches of relative quiescence. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

But with threats to colleges and universities escalating and evolving, and likely to grow still greater in the aftermath of this month's election, the time for private quiescence is over. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

The message was that Israel can strike anyone, anywhere — but will this show of force intimidate Israel’s allies into quiescence? —David Ignatius, Washington Post, 31 July 2024

Along with a fortunate absence of major glitches, the sun’s relative quiescence for so much of the spacecraft’s tenure in orbit, in fact, is the largest factor that’s allowed the mission to last so long. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 31 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

quiescence

noun

qui·​es·​cence kwī-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s  kwē- 

: the quality or state of being quiescent