latent
noun
: a fingerprint (as at the scene of a crime) that is scarcely visible but can be developed for study
called also latent fingerprint, latent print
Examples of latent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But this year, the hulking Red Sox prospect is finally beginning to tap into his latent potential.
—
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026
Mythos gives defenders a tool and better intelligence about the latent risks within their own systems before adversaries can discover and exploit them.
—Bob Zukis, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Though their characters blow hot and cold, her scenes with Johnson in which their latent friendliness comes through are a pleasure to watch.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Violence is latent there, a reminder of why many others also leave.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for latent
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Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026
Mythos gives defenders a tool and better intelligence about the latent risks within their own systems before adversaries can discover and exploit them.
—Bob Zukis, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Though their characters blow hot and cold, her scenes with Johnson in which their latent friendliness comes through are a pleasure to watch.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Violence is latent there, a reminder of why many others also leave.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for latent
Cite this Entry
“Latent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latent. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
latent
adjective
la·tent
ˈlāt-ᵊnt 
: existing in hidden or dormant form: as
a
: present or capable of living or developing in a host without producing visible symptoms of disease
a latent virus
a latent infection
b
: not consciously expressed
latent anxiety
c
: relating to or being the latent content of a dream or thought
latently
adverb
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