quiescent
UK: kwɪˈesnt | US: kwiˈesnt
adj. in a state of inactivity or dormancy
adj. characterized by stillness or calmness
adj. (biology) temporarily inactive (e.g., cells or organisms)
quiescent = quies<rest> + cent<adjective suffix>
- quies (from Latin quies, meaning "rest" or "quiet")
- cent (Latin-derived suffix -escent, indicating a state or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word quiescent traces back to Latin quiescere ("to rest"), from quies ("quiet"). The suffix -escent (via French -escent) denotes a transitional or ongoing state, often implying "becoming" or "being in a state of." Over time, quiescent evolved in English to describe things that are temporarily inactive or at rest, retaining the core idea of quietude from its Latin roots.
The volcano has been quiescent for centuries but could erupt again.
During winter, many plants remain quiescent until spring.
Her mind was quiescent, free from the usual turmoil.
The laboratory observed quiescent cells under the microscope.
The market was quiescent, with no significant trading activity.