\Qui*es"cent\, a. [L. quiescens, -entis, p. pr. of
quiescere: cf. F. quiescent. See {Quiesce}.]
1. Being in a state of repose; at rest; still; not moving;
   as, a quiescent body or fluid.
2. Not ruffed with passion; unagitated; not in action; not
   excited; quiet; dormant; resting.
         In times of national security, the feeling of
         patriotism . . . is so quiescent that it seems
         hardly to exist.                      --Prof.
                                               Wilson.
3. (Gram.) Not sounded; silent; as, y is quiescent in ``day''
   and ``say.''

\Qui*es"cent\, n. (Gram.)
A silent letter. --M. Stuart.