latent
LAY-tuhnt
Latent (adj) means present but not yet visible, active, or developed. Example: “The disease can remain latent for years before symptoms appear.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- latents
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The disease can remain _____ for years before symptoms appear.
Etymology
From Latin latēns, "lying hidden", from lateō ("to lie hidden").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for latent
See all rhymes for latent →Frequently asked questions
What does “latent” mean?
The word “latent” means present but not yet visible, active, or developed. In plain terms, hidden or dormant for now, but capable of appearing or developing later.
How do you pronounce “latent”?
“Latent” is pronounced LAY-tuhnt (/ˈleɪ.tənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “latent” in a sentence?
Here is “latent” used in a sentence: “The disease can remain latent for years before symptoms appear.”
What part of speech is “latent”?
Depending on how it is used, “latent” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “latent” come from?
The word “latent” comes from Latin. From Latin latēns, "lying hidden", from lateō ("to lie hidden").
Is “latent” a common word?
“Latent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “latent” have?
“Latent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: present but not yet visible, active, or developed.
