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latent

adjective
la·​tent | \ ˈlā-tᵊnt How to pronounce latent (audio) \

Definition of latent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: present and capable of emerging or developing but not now visible, obvious, active, or symptomatic a latent infection

latent

noun
la·​tent | \ ˈlā-tᵊnt How to pronounce latent (audio) \

Definition of latent (Entry 2 of 2)

: a fingerprint (as at the scene of a crime) that is scarcely visible but can be developed for study

— called also latent fingerprint, latent print

Other Words from latent Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about latent

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Other Words from latent

Adjective

latently adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for latent

Synonyms: Adjective

dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inert, inoperative, off, unused, vacant

Antonyms: Adjective

active, alive, busy, employed, functioning, going, living, on, operating, operative, running, working

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Choose the Right Synonym for latent

Adjective

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop. a latent desire for success dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. their passion had lain dormant quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. the disease was quiescent potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. a potential disaster

Examples of latent in a Sentence

Adjective

 On the ground in Afghanistan there is some latent, if wary, gratitude for American aid over the years, but no one expects to build a foundation for the Taliban's downfall on a couple of million rice cakes. — Michael Duffy, Time, 15 Oct. 2001 There were such inexhaustible possibilities still before her, such opportunities to bring out the latent graces of the old place, without a single irreverent touch of alteration, that the winter months were all too short to plan what spring and autumn executed. — Edith Wharton, Afterward, 1910
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 As in King’s 1980 blockbuster, a shady government organization experiments on humans, essentially exposing and amplifying latent psychic powers. — Clea Simon, BostonGlobe.com, "Stephen King summons his superpowers with ‘Tbe Institute’," 5 Sep. 2019 Myers’ latent power is his best trait, but that’s less valuable in a San Diego lineup loaded with plenty of thump. — Michael Shapiro, SI.com, "Wil Myers is the Odd Man Out in San Diego and Fantasy Leagues," 27 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'latent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of latent

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for latent

Adjective and Noun

Middle English, from Latin latent-, latens, from present participle of latēre to lie hidden; akin to Greek lanthanein to escape notice

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More Definitions for latent

latent

adjective
How to pronounce latent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of latent

—used to describe something (such as a disease) that exists but is not active or cannot be seen

See the full definition for latent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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