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latent

 - 6 dictionary results

la⋅tent

  [leyt-nt]
Use latent in a Sentence
–adjective
1. present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing as potential: latent ability.
2. Pathology. (of an infectious agent or disease) remaining in an inactive or hidden phase; dormant.
3. Psychology. existing in unconscious or dormant form but potentially able to achieve expression: a latent emotion.
4. Botany. (of buds that are not externally manifest) dormant or undeveloped.
Origin:
1610–20; < L latent- (s. of latēns) prp. of latēre to lie hidden; see -ent

Related forms:
la⋅tent⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
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:
1. open, active.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To latent
la·tent   (lāt'nt)   
adj.  

  1. Present or potential but not evident or active: latent talent.

  2. Pathology In a dormant or hidden stage: a latent infection.

  3. Biology Undeveloped but capable of normal growth under the proper conditions: a latent bud.

  4. Psychology Present and accessible in the unconscious mind but not consciously expressed.

n.  A fingerprint that is not apparent to the eye but can be made sufficiently visible, as by dusting or fuming, for use in identification.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin latēns, latent-, present participle of latēre, to lie hidden.]
la'tent·ly adv.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean present or in existence but not active or manifest. What is latent is present but not evident: latent ability.
Dormant evokes the idea of sleep: a dormant volcano.
Quiescent sometimes—but not always—suggests temporary inactivity: "For a time, he [the whale] lay quiescent" (Herman Melville).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

latent 
1459, from L. latentem (nom. latens), prp. of latere "to lie hidden," from PIE *laidh-, from base *la- "to be hidden" (cf. Gk. lethe "forgetfulness, oblivion," O.C.S. lajati "to lie in wait for").
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: la·tent
Pronunciation: 'lAt-&nt
Function: adjective
: existing in hidden or dormant form but usually capable of being brought to light —compare PATENT
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: la·tent
Pronunciation: 'lAt-&nt
Function: adjective
: existing in hidden or dormant form: as a : presentor capable of living or developing in a host without producing visible symptoms of disease latent virus> latent infection> b : not consciously expressed<latent homosexuality> <latent anxiety> c : relating to or being the latent content of a dream or thought —la·tent·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

latent la·tent (lāt'nt)
adj.

  1. Present or potential but not evident or active.

  2. In a dormant or hidden stage, as an infection.

  3. Undeveloped but capable of normal growth under the proper conditions.

  4. Present in the unconscious mind but not consciously expressed.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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