Definition of Quiescent

Quiescent: Marked by a state of inactivity, repose, or tranquillity. For example, a quiescent stem cell is a stem cell that is resting at the time but that might be stimulated later to divide and proliferate.

Quiescent also means causing no trouble or symptoms. For example, a case of leukemia may be quiescent, causing no problems; the leukemia is in remission and the person has no symptoms of it.

The word "quiescent" comes from the Latin "quiescere", to become silent. Quiescent often suggests a temporary cessation of activity, as in "a quiescent disease."

Drug Medical Dictionary of Terms by Letter

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Medical Dictionary Term: