latent

[leyt-nt]

adjective

1. present but not visible, apparent, or activated; existing as potential.

   latent ability.

   Synonyms: veiled, quiescent, dormant
   Antonyms: active, open

2. Pathology.,  (of an infectious agent or disease) in a phase of being hidden or unrecognized; not yet exhibiting symptoms.

3. Psychology.,  existing in unconscious or dormant form but potentially able to achieve expression.

   latent learning,

   a latent emotion.

4. Botany.,  (of buds that are not externally manifest) dormant or undeveloped.

latent

/ ˈleɪtənt /

adjective

1. potential but not obvious or explicit

2. (of buds, spores, etc) dormant

3. pathol (esp of an infectious disease) not yet revealed or manifest

4. (of a virus) inactive in the host cell, its nucleic acid being integrated into, and replicated with, the host cell's DNA

5. psychoanal relating to that part of a dream expressive of repressed desires Compare manifest

   latent content

Other Word Forms

• latently adverb
• latency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of latent¹

First recorded before 1610–20; from Latin latent- (stem of latēns ), present participle of latēre “to lie hidden”; -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of latent¹

C17: from Latin latēnt-, from latens present participle of latēre to lie hidden

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

For Europe, the latent threat to Nato countries comes primarily from Russia's missiles, some of which are stationed on the Baltic coast in Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad.

From BBC

The acidity of the beer, combined with the added ingredients, creates a solution that can reveal the latent image on the film.

From BBC

“What the shingles vaccine does is it dampens reactivations of latent viruses in a way that may be protecting other parts of your body,” Martin said.

From Salon

Bieber fever may have been latent for years, but it’s making the rounds once again.

From Los Angeles Times

He knew that the return of a legend like Pacquiao was not an isolated rumor, but a latent option.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inherent 
• lurking 
• smoldering www.thesaurus.com
• suppressed 
• underlying 
• unrealized 
• veiled