This is the 4557th most frequent German word.
ruhen
"Ruhen" means "to rest" or "to be calm/still."
The word 'ruhen' in this sentence indicates the act of resting physically after exertion. 'Sich ausruhen' is a reflexive verb form commonly used in this context for recovering or relaxing.
Wir ruhen uns nach einer langen Wanderung aus.
We rest after a long hike.
Here, 'ruhen' conveys a metaphorical sense of being untouched or inactive, describing the inert state of the book within the box.
Das Buch liegt seit Jahren in der Kiste und ruht im Dunkeln.
The book has been lying in the box for years and rests in the dark.
In this case, 'ruhen' relates to silence or calmness, indicating that the voices ceased when the teacher arrived.