latent heat

American  

noun

Physics.

1. heat absorbed or radiated during a change of phase at constant temperature and pressure.

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latent heat British  

noun

1. (no longer in technical usage) the heat evolved or absorbed by unit mass ( specific latent heat ) or unit amount of substance ( molar latent heat ) when it changes phase without change of temperature

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latent heat Scientific  

/ lāt′nt /

1. The quantity of heat absorbed or released by a substance undergoing a change of state, such as ice changing to liquid water or liquid water changing to ice, at constant temperature and pressure. The latent heat absorbed by air when water vapor condenses is ultimately the source of the power of thunderstorms and hurricanes.

2. See also heat capacity

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latent heat Cultural  

1. The heat released or absorbed when matter undergoes a change of phase (see phases of matter). If the heat is given off during the change from a liquid to a solid, it is called heat of fusion. If it is given off during the change from a gas to a liquid, it is called heat of vaporization.

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Etymology

Origin of latent heat

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Latent heat is the main fuel that powers hurricanes, thunderstorms and normal bouts of lousy weather.

From Scientific American • Oct. 19, 2021

Latent heat is measured in units of J/kg.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Latent heat of expansion R′ = .069 calorie per gramme of air, per 1� C.   = 2.0 calories per gramme-molecule of any gas.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various

Latent heat is therefore not dissipated, it is merely transformed and has taken on the form of molecular elasticity.

From Landmarks of Scientific Socialism "Anti-Duehring" by Engels, Friedrich

Latent heat is therefore by no means an obstacle in the way of the mechanical theory of heat.

From Landmarks of Scientific Socialism "Anti-Duehring" by Engels, Friedrich