scene

Main Entry:: scene
Pronunciation:: \ˈsēn\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle French, stage, from Latin scena, scaena stage, scene, probably from Etruscan, from Greek skēnē shelter, tent, building forming the background for a dramatic performance, stage; perhaps akin to Greek skia shadow — more at shine
Date:: circa 1520

1: one of the subdivisions of a play: as a: a division of an act presenting continuous action in one place b: a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play <the love scene> c: a motion-picture or television episode or sequence 2 a: a stage setting b: a real or imaginary prospect suggesting a stage setting <a sylvan scene>3: the place of an occurrence or action : locale <scene of the crime>4: an exhibition of anger or indecorous behavior <make a scene>5 a: sphere of activity <the drug scene> b: situation <a bad scene>

— behind the scenes

1: out of public view ; also : in secret2: in a position to see the hidden workings <taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government…has operated — William Clark>

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