latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlā-tə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio) ˈla- How to pronounce latex (audio) 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 She star shared her superhero look on Instagram and a clip on Twitter, showcasing a blue latex bodysuit with prosthetic bumps. Maria Yagoda, Peoplemag, 28 Oct. 2023 On Saturday, family members of the couple met with authorities in St. Vincent, where they were seen boarding the vessel — which was being guarded by officials, one of whom was wearing latex gloves. Colleen Wixon, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2024 On the red carpet, Ciara, who is nominated for her role in The Color Purple, popped in a latex look that brought all the drama. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 The brand is offering up to $600 off its latex hybrid and gel memory foam options. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2024 The whole Collina collection, including pastel floral latex shirts with sculpted abs and upcycled chiffon dresses with biceps and triceps quilted in, was a flex. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 Grab a pair of latex gloves (for seeding those chiles!) and get chopping—you’ll want to cook your way through this flavorful list. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 14 Feb. 2024 At a treatment facility set up at a school in a dense suburb of Harare, nurses wearing latex gloves tended to patients splayed on cots. Jeffrey Moyo, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024 Singer-songwriter and producer Chloe Bailey wore a beaded dress by Indian couturier Gaurav Gupta. Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio put a rockstar twist on a classic gown shape in this gun metal latex number. Christy Choi, CNN, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'latex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of latex was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near latex

Cite this Entry

“Latex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latex. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

latex

noun
la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio)
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 How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio) ˈlat- How to pronounce latex (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on latex

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