Latent
Existing but not yet active; having potential to develop or become visible or actual.
adjectiveLatent
Existing but not yet active; having potential to develop or become visible or actual.
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Imagine This
latex is useless unless someone decides to make use of it in making balloons, bike tubes, or car tires.
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Sounds Like
LAY-tent
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Looks Like
latex (milky sap secreted by certain plants, used to make rubber)
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Remember This
Latent comes from Latin latent- meaning hidden; related to lying hidden or waiting to be revealed.
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Other Forms
latencynoun
latentlyadverb
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Connect With
dormant, hidden, inactive, potential, emergence
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Note
Latent describes potential that exists but is not currently active. Do not confuse with patent (obvious). Commonly used in science and psychology (latent heat, latent potential).