latent
[ leyt-nt ]
/ ˈleɪt nt /
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adjective
present but not visible, apparent, or activated; existing as potential: latent ability.
Pathology. (of an infectious agent or disease) in a phase of being hidden or unrecognized; not yet exhibiting symptoms. Compare dormant (def. 4).
Psychology. existing in unconscious or dormant form but potentially able to achieve expression: latent learning,a latent emotion.
Botany. (of buds that are not externally manifest) dormant or undeveloped.
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Origin of latent
First recorded before 1610–20; from Latin latent- (stem of latēns ), present participle of latēre “to lie hidden”; see -ent
synonym study for latent
1. Latent, potential refer to powers or possibilities existing but hidden or not yet actualized. Latent emphasizes the hidden character or the dormancy of what is named: latent qualities, defects, diseases. That which is potential exists in an as yet undeveloped state, but is thought of as capable of coming into full being or activity at some future time: potential genius, tragedy. Potential may be applied also to tangibles: High-tension wires are a potential source of danger.
OTHER WORDS FROM latent
la·tent·ly, adverbDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use latent in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for latent
latent
/ (ˈleɪtənt) /
adjective
potential but not obvious or explicit
(of buds, spores, etc) dormant
pathol (esp of an infectious disease) not yet revealed or manifest
(of a virus) inactive in the host cell, its nucleic acid being integrated into, and replicated with, the host cell's DNA
psychoanal relating to that part of a dream expressive of repressed desireslatent content Compare manifest (def. 2)
Derived forms of latent
latency, nounlatently, adverbWord Origin for latent
C17: from Latin latēnt-, from latens present participle of latēre to lie hidden
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for latent
latent
[ lāt′nt ]
adj.
Present or potential but not evident or active.
In a dormant or hidden stage, as an infection.
Undeveloped but capable of normal growth under the proper conditions.
Present in the unconscious mind but not consciously expressed.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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