Definition of LATENT

latent

Meanings

Plural: latents

Adjective Satellite

  • potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
    • "a latent fingerprint"
    • "latent talent"
  • (pathology) not presently active
    • "latent infection"
    • "latent diabetes"

Adj

  • Existing or present but concealed or inactive.
  • Remaining in an inactive or hidden phase; dormant.
  • Lying dormant or hidden until circumstances are suitable for development or manifestation.

Noun

  • The residue left by a person's finger that can be made visible by a process such as powder dusting; a latent fingerprint.
  • An underlying cause that can be inferred from statistical correlations; factor.
  • Anything that is latent.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English latent, latente, from Old French latent, from Latin latēns, present participle of lateō (“lie hidden”).

Scrabble Score: 6

latent is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
latent is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
latent is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 8

latent is a valid Words With Friends word