latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlā-tə-ˌsēz  ˈla-  or latexes

1

: a milky usually white fluid that is produced by cells of various seed plants (as of the milkweed, spurge, and poppy families) and is the source of rubber, gutta-percha, chicle, and balata

2

: a water emulsion of a synthetic rubber or plastic obtained by polymerization and used especially in coatings (such as paint) and adhesives

Examples of latex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If your bath mat has an anti-slip rubber or latex backing, know that the dryer’s high heat can degrade it over time. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026

Surveillance footage obtained by investigators showed Royce Moser driving Heintz's car near the area where it was later found and wearing blue latex gloves, the complaint said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Latex foam pillows should be changed out every two to four years, though synthetic latex may not be quite as durable as pillows made from natural latex. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Unlike other flimsy flip-flops, this style has arch support built into the contoured cork-latex footbed for comfort that lasts well beyond your first few strides. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for latex

• annex
• annexe
• apex
• aztecs
• carex
• codecs
• codex
• convex
• cusecs
• duplex
• execs
• fedex

Kids Definition

latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz 

ˈlat-

or latexes

1

: a milky juice produced by the cells of various plants (as milkweeds, poppies, and the rubber tree)

2

: a mixture of water and fine particles of rubber or plastic used especially in paints and adhesives

Medical Definition

latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz  ˈlat-  or latexes

: a milky usually white fluid that is usually made up of various gum resins, fats, or waxes and often a complex mixture of other substances frequently including poisonous compounds, is produced by cells of various seed plants (as of the milkweed, spurge, and poppy families), and is the source of rubber, gutta-percha, chicle, and balata