adj
latent
LAY-tuhnt
adj
1
Present but not yet visible, active, or developed.
"The disease can remain latent for years before symptoms appear."
"She had a latent talent for painting that no one had noticed."
noun
1
(forensics) A fingerprint made visible by a technique such as powder dusting.
"Investigators lifted a latent from the doorknob."
How to Use Latent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHidden or dormant for now, but capable of appearing or developing later.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
latent talent
latent demand
lie latent
Word Forms
latents plural
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The disease can remain _____ for years before symptoms appear.
Etymology
From Latin latēns, "lying hidden", from lateō ("to lie hidden").