latency

American  

[leyt-n-see] / ˈleɪt n si /

noun

PLURAL

latencies

1. the state of being latent.

2. latent period.

3. Computers.  the period of delay when one component of a hardware system is waiting for an action to be executed by another component.

4. Digital Technology.  the time required online or in a network for the one-way or round-trip transfer of data between two nodes.

5. Digital Technology.  (in virtual reality and other types of simulation) the discrepancy between the time delay of stimulus and response in the simulation as compared to the real-world equivalent.

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Etymology

Origin of latency

First recorded in 1630–40; lat(ent) + -ency

Example Sentences

Encrypting data and sending it through remote servers can slow down your connection and increase latency, especially during peak hours or if the server is located far away.

From Salon

“Is there any input latency on the headset?” asks Jason Cortina, a recent transplant from New Hampshire, referring to a possible delay of signals sent from Weidlich’s handheld controls to his airborne drone.

From Seattle Times

It’s that latency issue driving the data center industry to build near schools and people’s homes.

From Washington Post

Bandwidth and latency are now more important than a person in the cockpit.

From Washington Post

The long latency of the virus would make it almost impossible to avoid.

From Salon