Definition of mutes:
(adj) :
Not having the power of speech; dumb.
(adj) :
Silent; not making a sound.
(adj) :
Not uttered; unpronounced; silent; also, produced by complete closure of the mouth organs which interrupt the passage of breath; said of certain letters.
(adj) :
Not giving a ringing sound when struck; said of a metal.
(n) :
A person who does not have the power of speech.
(n) :
A hired mourner at a funeral; an undertaker's assistant.