1. 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.