latent heat

American  

noun

Physics.

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

---

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

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of latent heat

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Snow that has fallen, or ice that has formed on surfaces, can often melt in the sun or form latent heat from the surface.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2025

That can release an enormous amount of latent heat into the atmosphere, and through that action, it can influence storm tracks and whether they hit California.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2023

The vapor carries with it a form of energy called latent heat.

From Scientific American • Oct. 19, 2021

The solar heat is dispersed and becomes latent heat, embodied in water vapour, to be condensed and released as rain.

From The Guardian • Apr. 3, 2017

Was Watt familiar with the concept of latent heat when he devised his new engine, and did the new theory inform his new technology?

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton