mute

mute [myo͞ot]

adj.

[ME mewet < OFr muet < mu < L mutus, silent: for IE base see MOPE]

1. not speaking; voluntarily silent: often used figuratively

2. unable to speak

3. not spoken [a mute appeal]

4. SILENT (adj. 4b) [the letter e in “mouse” is mute]

n.

1. a person who does not speak; specif., one who, deaf from infancy, has not learned to speak; deaf-mute

2. Now Rare a hired mourner at a funeral

3. a silent letter

4. Music any of various devices used to soften or muffle the tone of an instrument, as a block placed within the bell of a brass instrument or a piece set onto the bridge of a violin

vt.

muted, muting

1. to soften or muffle the sound of (a musical instrument, etc.) as with a mute

2. to subdue the intensity of (a color)

SYN.- VOICELESS

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stand mute

Law to refuse to plead guilty or not guilty

mutely

adv.

muteness

n.