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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
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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about latent heat
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