In a state of peaceful inactivity or dormancy, like a volcano that sleeps quietly between eruptions. Not dead or empty, but resting with the potential for future action — a temporary, purposeful stillness.
From Latin 'quiescens,' the present participle of 'quiescere,' meaning 'to be quiet or at rest.' Built on the root 'quietus' (quiet), this word entered English in the 17th century through scientific writing. It was initially used to describe natural phenomena that appeared inactive but retained the potential for change or growth.
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