An eighth rest is a musical symbol that indicates a silence lasting for one-eighth of a whole note's duration. In common time, this is equivalent to half a beat. Eighth rests are essential for creating rhythm and allowing musicians to breathe or pause in their performance. In written music, an eighth rest is represented by a small, curved line with a vertical stem. It is often used in conjunction with eighth notes, which are notes that also last for one-eighth of a whole note. Together, they help to create intricate and varied rhythmic patterns in compositions.