quiescent
UK[kwɪˈesnt]US[kwaɪˈesnt]
adj
in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy
adj
(of a disease or condition) causing no symptoms or signs
Morpheme Breakdown
qui
escent
qui
quiet
escent
becoming
Etymology
the word quiescent originates from the latin verb quiescere, meaning 'to rest, be quiet, or be still'. this verb itself is derived from the latin noun quiēs, signifying 'quiet, rest, or peace'. the suffix -escentem indicates a process of becoming or being in a state. therefore, the literal morphemic construction 'becoming quiet' elegantly evolved into the modern english abstract meaning describing a state of inactivity, dormancy, or the absence of active symptoms.
Analysis
Structure: qui (quiet) + escent (becoming)
qui (from latin quiēs, meaning 'quiet, rest'); escent (from latin -escentem, a suffix meaning 'beginning to be, becoming')
Examples
the volcano has been quiescent for over a century.
the cells remain in a quiescent state until activated by specific signals.
the infection was quiescent, showing no outward signs for years.