The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

latent

IPA:

Dictionary definition of latent

Present or potential, but currently hidden, concealed, or not yet fully developed or manifested.
"The latent potential of the student was finally realized after years of hard work."

Detailed meaning of latent

It refers to potential or capabilities that are present within an entity or system but have not yet been expressed or realized. Latent qualities or characteristics may remain dormant until certain conditions or triggers activate them. For example, a person may possess latent artistic talent, meaning they have the potential to excel in the arts, but they haven't actively pursued or developed that talent. In the field of science, latent heat is a term used to describe the heat energy absorbed or released during phase changes in a substance, such as water turning into ice. This heat energy is not evident in the substance's temperature until the phase change occurs. Similarly, latent infections in medicine are those in which a pathogen remains dormant in the body, not causing symptoms until a later time. Overall, 'latent' underscores the idea of hidden potential or capabilities that are waiting for the right circumstances to emerge or become evident.

Example sentences containing latent

1. His latent talent for painting emerged only after he retired from his job.
2. The latent virus was activated when her immune system became compromised.
3. The latent tension in the room became palpable as the meeting wore on.
4. They discovered latent fingerprints on the crime scene that aided the investigation.
5. Her latent ability in mathematics became evident when she solved complex problems.
6. The test aims to detect the latent presence of the disease in asymptomatic patients.

History and etymology of latent

The adjective 'latent' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'latens,' which is the present participle of 'latere,' meaning 'to lie hidden' or 'to be concealed.' In its essence, 'latent' carries the idea of something being present or potential but currently lying hidden or concealed from view. It often implies that this hidden aspect has not yet fully developed or manifested. This etymology underscores the concept of something lying dormant or concealed, waiting for the right conditions or triggers to become apparent or active, which is at the heart of the meaning of 'latent.'

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Further usage examples of latent

1. Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released during phase changes of matter.
2. His latent feelings for her surfaced when he saw her after many years apart.
3. The psychologist discussed the latent traits that may emerge under stress.
4. The software revealed latent vulnerabilities that required immediate attention.
5. Latent factors contributed to the decline in sales, despite strong marketing.
6. She had a latent ambition to become a singer, which she only pursued later.
7. He wrote a book exploring the latent biases present in the criminal justice system.
8. The volcano had latent energy, showing no signs of eruption for years.
9. Latent sexism in the workplace often goes unrecognized but needs addressing.
10. His latent interest in astronomy was awakened by a celestial event he witnessed.
11. Latent political divisions in the country became evident during the election.
12. The study identified latent markers for predicting the disease's progression.
13. She revealed latent entrepreneurial skills when she launched her own company.
14. A latent risk in the project was the unpredictable weather conditions.
15. Latent emotional issues may become problematic if not dealt with in time.
16. The latent phase of labor is the initial stage, often going unnoticed.
17. His latent potential as an athlete was uncovered when he joined the school team.
18. The algorithm detects latent patterns in data that are not immediately obvious.
19. The latent function of education also includes socialization of individuals.
20. The camera's latent capabilities were unlocked after a software update.
21. The latent variables were not directly observable but influenced the results.
22. His latent resentment towards his boss affected his work performance negatively.
23. The medicine targets the latent stage of the infection for a complete cure.
24. Despite his confident exterior, he had latent insecurities that troubled him.