latent period

noun

: the incubation period of a disease

: the interval between stimulation and response

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The first symptoms appeared after a latent period of 6 to 48 hours. —

Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2010 The latent period between infection and first appearance of the virus was 4.0 days on average, while the incubation period between infection and first symptoms was 5.8 days on average (Figure 1A and 1B). —

William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 15 Nov. 2021 This is followed by a latent period with no apparent symptoms as metabolic acidosis develops. —

Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 23 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'latent period.' 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

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of latent period was in 1793

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Latent period.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latent%20period. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

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