latent
[leyt-nt]
||
adjective
present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing as potential: latent ability.
Pathology. (of an infectious agent or disease) remaining in an inactive or hidden phase; dormant.
Psychology. existing in unconscious or dormant form but potentially able to achieve expression: a latent emotion.
Botany. (of buds that are not externally manifest) dormant or undeveloped.
Origin of latent
Synonyms for latent
1. dormant, quiescent, veiled, 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.
Antonyms for latent
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for latently
Historical Examples of latently
The deeper sort, however, usually felt it latently English enough.
The Tragic MuseHenry James
This one's mind, he could now see, was immature but latently capable.
Man of Many MindsE. Everett Evans
But a more serious consequence is latently contained in it, and nothing else than the Nestorian heresy, viz.
An Essay on the Development of Christian DoctrineJohn Henry Cardinal Newman
latent
adjective
Word Origin for latent
C17: from Latin latēnt-, from latens present participle of latēre to lie hidden
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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latent
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
latent
[lāt′nt]
adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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