資料來源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Silent \Si"lent\, a. [L. silens, -entis, p. pr. of silere to be
   silent; akin to Goth. ana-silan.]
   1. Free from sound or noise; absolutely still; perfectly
      quiet.

            How silent is this town!              --Shak.

   2. Not speaking; indisposed to talk; speechless; mute;
      taciturn; not loquacious; not talkative.

            Ulysses, adds he, was the most eloquent and most
            silent of men.                        --Broome.

            This new-created world, whereof in hell Fame is not
            silent.                               --Milton.

   3. Keeping at rest; inactive; calm; undisturbed; as, the wind
      is silent. --Parnell. Sir W. Raleigh.

   4. (Pron.) Not pronounced; having no sound; quiescent; as, e
      is silent in ``fable.''

   5. Having no effect; not operating; inefficient. [R.]

            Cause . . . silent, virtueless, and dead. --Sir W.
                                                  Raleigh.

   {Silent partner}. See {Dormant partner}, under {Dormant}.

   Syn: Mute; taciturn; dumb; speechless; quiet; still. See
        {Mute}, and {Taciturn}.

資料來源 : WordNet®

silent partner
     n : a partner (who usually provides capital) whose association
         with the enterprise is not public knowledge [syn: {sleeping
         partner}]