latent heat

noun

: heat given off or absorbed in a process (such as fusion or vaporization) other than a change of temperature

Examples of latent heat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The sinking air can act as a cap or heat dome, trapping the latent heat already absorbed by the landscape. Umair Irfan, Vox, 5 June 2024 The principle at work here takes advantage of what’s called the latent heat of vaporization. IEEE Spectrum, 7 Oct. 2023 That moisture condenses into clouds and thunderstorms and releases its latent heat, warming the core of the storm. Matt Simon, WIRED, 29 Aug. 2023 The vapor carries with it a form of energy called latent heat. Jennifer A. Francis, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2021 See all Example Sentences for latent heat 

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of latent heat was circa 1757

Dictionary Entries Near latent heat

Cite this Entry

“Latent heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latent%20heat. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

latent heat

noun
: heat given off or absorbed in a process (as fusion or vaporization) other than a change of temperature

More from Merriam-Webster on latent heat

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