rests

1. 1
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of rest.

   The injured player rests until the swelling goes down.

   A heavy beam rests on two stone pillars at the entrance.

   Note

   Two constructions carry most of this verb's weight. Without an object it is often followed by on. A beam rests on pillars, and an argument rests on its evidence, where the second means reliance rather than physical support. It can also take an object, or a reflexive one, when someone gives rest to a body or to themselves: a runner rests her legs, a traveler rests himself.

2. 2
   noun

   Plural of rest.

   The coach allowed two short rests during the long practice.

   The final measure contains two whole rests before the closing chord.

   Note

   Only some meanings of rest can be counted, and only those take a plural. Breaks from exertion and the measured silences of music multiply freely: two rests between workouts, two whole rests before a chord. Sleep, peace, stillness and the euphemistic rest of death stay singular. Someone goes to their rest, never to their rests. The same spelling also serves the present-tense verb.

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