LATENT Meaning and
Definition
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Latent is an adjective that describes something that is existing but not yet developed or visible. It refers to a quality or state that is concealed, potential, or dormant, awaiting the right circumstances or conditions to manifest or become evident. The term is often used in various contexts, such as psychology, biology, and physics.
In psychology, latent refers to unconscious or hidden thoughts, desires, or impulses that are not actively expressed or realized. These aspects lie beneath the surface and are not directly accessible to one's consciousness but may influence behavior or attitudes in subtle ways.
In biology, latent can describe a dormant or quiescent state of an organism, such as a dormant virus or a dormant seed, where it remains inactive until certain triggers prompt its activation or growth.
In physics, latent refers to the hidden heat energy associated with a change in physical state or phase, such as the latent heat of vaporization or fusion. This energy is absorbed or released when substances transition between different states, such as solid to liquid or liquid to gas.
Overall, latent denotes the concealed potential or the unmanifested state of something, whether it be psychological, biological, or physical in nature, implying that it exists but is not yet fully realized or apparent.
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Not manifest; concealed; noting the period of incubation of an infectious disease before the appearance of the prodromal symptoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Concealed; hid; not visible or apparent.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for LATENT *
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Other Common Misspellings for LATENT
Etymology of LATENT
The word latent comes from the Latin word latens, which is the present participle of the verb latere, meaning to lie hidden or concealed. It entered English in the late 16th century, directly from Latin, with the same meaning of hidden, concealed, dormant.
Similar spelling words for LATENT
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