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 Steps away from the touristy Fifth Avenue shops and hot dog vendors fashion freaks of all kinds—donning latex trench coats, giant furry boots, and Luar’s signature Ana bags (duh)—waited to be let into the outdoor runway space, located just steps off the Rockefeller rink. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024 Tisci was succeeded by British designer Clare Waight Keller, who largely plied a tasteful, aristocratic brand of fashion occasionally spiked with toughness or subversion — a touch of latex here, a giant wing-like backpack there. Miles Socha, WWD, 9 Sep. 2024 Two high wooden chairs and a foam sofa painted in latex add their own personality and touches of craft color. Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2024 Natural latex can help to prevent dust mites, molds, and mildews, which are common allergens. Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for latex 

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 5 Oct. 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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