latex

noun la·tex \ ˈlā-ˌteks \

Definition of latex

plural latices play \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

See latex defined for English-language learners

See latex defined for kids

Recent Examples of latex from the Web

There will also be a need for flat shovels, garden rakes, wheelbarrows, fans, heavy duty extension cords, leather gloves, nitrile (not latex) gloves, and disposable Tyvek coveralls.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Hurricane Harvey: Alabama relief efforts underway; how and where to donate," 29 Aug. 2017
Police said the man was wearing a white face Timex watch on his left wrist and a blue latex glove on his right hand.

— mikaela porter, courant.com, "Stamford Police Seek Public Help In Identifying Pedestrian Involved In Fatal Crash," 18 Aug. 2017
Stretch these long tubes of latex like a rubber band as another substitute for dumbbells.

— ajc homepage, ajc, "Try these 5 workouts for a better bust line," 16 Aug. 2017
The costume—a cross between a nurse and Catwoman, with a cherry-red stethoscope tied tight around Bubble’s neck like a choker—was created with Japanese latex artist Atsuko Kudo, whose design gives Rihanna a smooth, Barbie silhouette.

— julie miller, HWD, "The Story Behind Rihanna’s Sexy, Shape-Shifting Alien in Valerian," 20 July 2017
Silicone corrodes latex and causes condoms to break.

— gigi engle, Teen Vogue, "Anal Sex: What You Need to Know," 7 July 2017
First, Madeline outlined the cuticles with liquid latex, ensuring no glitter fallout post-painting.

— emily gaynor, Teen Vogue, "Glitter Manicure With a Sponge Nail Art Tutorial," 3 July 2017
Mike Rodriguez pulls off his purple latex gloves and gets ready for the next call.

— by peter haden, miamiherald, "Delray Beach: Don’t dump your opioid addicts here," 26 June 2017
The city of Hobart accepts latex paint donations at the Department of Public Works, 340 S. Shelby St., from 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday.

— Post-Tribune, "Community calendar," 24 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'latex.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of latex

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1832

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LATEX Defined for English Language Learners

latex

noun

Definition of latex for English Language Learners

: a white fluid produced by certain plants that is used for making rubber; also : a similar material that is used for making various products (such as paint and glue)

LATEX Defined for Kids

latex

noun la·tex \ ˈlā-ˌteks \

Definition of latex for Students

1 :a milky plant juice that is the source of rubber

2 :a mixture of water and tiny particles of rubber or plastic used especially in paints

Medical Dictionary

latex

noun la·tex \ ˈlā-ˌteks \

medical Definition of latex

plural latices play \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