Main Entry:

¹la·tent

Pronunciation:

\ˈlā-t^ənt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin latent-, latens, from present participle of latēre to lie hidden; akin to Greek lanthanein to escape notice

Date:

15th century

: present and capable of becoming though not now visible, obvious, active, or symptomatic <a latent infection>

— la·tent·ly adverb

synonyms latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop <a latent desire for success>. dormant suggests the inactivity of something (as a feeling or power) as though sleeping <their passion had lain dormant>. quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity <the disease was quiescent>. potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have <a potential disaster>.