adjective
- existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or dormant
Examples
- The virus can remain latent in the body for years before symptoms appear.
- She had latent artistic abilities that emerged only in her thirties.
- The latent heat in the steam was used to power the engine.
- There are latent tensions between the two groups that could explode at any time.
- His latent fear of heights prevented him from enjoying the mountain hike.
- The detective suspected there were latent fingerprints on the glass.
- Many people have latent musical talent that goes undiscovered.