noun Uncommon

latex

LAY-tehks

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Latex (noun) means the milky fluid produced by certain plants, especially rubber trees, that hardens on contact with air and is used to make rubber. Example: “Workers collect latex from rubber trees by cutting into the bark.”

noun

The milky fluid produced by certain plants, especially rubber trees, that hardens on contact with air and is used to make rubber.

"Workers collect latex from rubber trees by cutting into the bark."

A synthetic or natural rubber material used in gloves, paint, and other products.

"The nurse put on a pair of latex gloves."

"The wall was painted with a latex paint that dried quickly."

How to use latex

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA milky plant fluid, or the rubbery material made from it (and similar synthetics).

Common mistake

Don't confuse with LaTeX, the typesetting software — same spelling family, totally different thing (and pronounced differently: "lay-tech" or "lah-tech").

Common pairings

latex gloves latex paint latex allergy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: latices, latexes

Test yourself on “latex” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Workers collect _____ from rubber trees by cutting into the bark.

Etymology

From New Latin latex, itself from an earlier Latin word for "liquid" or "fluid".

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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latex paint rubber-base paint

Related words

emulsion

Frequently asked questions

What does “latex” mean?

The word “latex” means the milky fluid produced by certain plants, especially rubber trees, that hardens on contact with air and is used to make rubber. In plain terms, a milky plant fluid, or the rubbery material made from it (and similar synthetics).

How do you pronounce “latex”?

“Latex” is pronounced LAY-tehks (/ˈleɪˌtɛks/ in IPA).

How do you use “latex” in a sentence?

Here is “latex” used in a sentence: “Workers collect latex from rubber trees by cutting into the bark.”

What part of speech is “latex”?

“Latex” is a noun.

Where does the word “latex” come from?

The word “latex” comes from New Latin. From New Latin latex, itself from an earlier Latin word for "liquid" or "fluid".

Is “latex” a common word?

“Latex” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “latex” have?

“Latex” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the milky fluid produced by certain plants, especially rubber trees, that hardens on contact with air and is used to make rubber.

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