latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlā-tə-ˌsēz  ˈla-  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

Understanding the difference between the best types of mattresses—hybrid, memory foam, latex, and innerspring—is crucial for a comfortable sleep setup. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026

The eKO series mats are made from non-Amazonian tree rubber, are biodegradable and 99% latex-free. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

The two actors stand near a man in a latex bodysuit holding a giant dragon mask, a proxy for the eventual CGI Tessarion, while Norton mixes his character’s preening resolve with hints of his genuine fear of the creature. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026

The 84-year-old American makes unruly mixed media sculptures that have challenged the traditional art establishment (conventionalists found her use of latex and glitter most unsettling). — Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for latex

• annex
• annexe
• apex
• aztecs
• carex
• codecs
• codex
• convex
• cusecs
• duplex
• execs
• fedex

Kids Definition

latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz 

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 

plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz  ˈlat-  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